Needle Arthroscopy Modernization of the “Gold Standard”

Arthroscopy is seen as the ”gold standard” for diagnosis of intra-articular pathology. Injury and pathology to articular cartilage surfaces are still best assessed directly i.e. diagnostic arthroscopy. Clinical exam findings may vary and are of low sensitivity/specificity for cartilage.  MRI imaging is excellent and improved with cartilage specific sequences but again… depending of the severity of the cartilage surface lesion the sensitivity/specificity can widely vary.  Arthroscopy is still the best, and now with needle arthroscopy…. even less invasive.  Needle arthroscopy now extends the “gold standard” into office settings. The image quality of these fiber optic cameras is quite good, and ‘camera on a chip’ technology will continue to advance the image quality.  4K and beyond is on the way. Take a look at the accompanying picture quality from a recent diagnostic shoulder exam.  Any injectable therapeutic may be performed at the same time with the potential advantage of being under direct visualization.  With orthobiologics increasing presence as therapeutic options, the use of needle arthroscopy will most certainly increase. Stay tuned…. !!