Table 4 Summary of the results, including advantages and disadvantages of the needle arthroscope
Advantages | |
Good Visibility | The study shows that needle arthroscopy provides good visibility of anatomical landmarks in the knee joint, comparable to conventional arthroscopy in most cases |
Minimally Invasive | Needle arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive approach, which can be beneficial for diagnostic and limited therapeutic indications, reducing the need for skin sutures |
Compact and Transportable | Needle arthroscopes are compact and transportable imaging systems, making them potentially suitable for outpatient settings |
Technological Advancements | The use of chip-on-tip image sensor technology in needle arthroscopy represents a technological advancement, offering better image quality and ergonomic advantages compared to older fiberoptic systems |
Disadvantages | |
Limited Field of View | Needle arthroscopy with 0° optics has a limited field of view compared to conventional arthroscopy with 30° optics. This limitation can affect the visualization of certain anatomical structures, particularly in the retropatellar region |
Mechanical Problems | The study reports instances of mechanical problems with needle arthroscopy, such as trocar deformation and slippage, especially in cases with pronounced scarring or constricted anatomical structures |
Material Thickness | The material thickness of the needle arthroscope may limit its use for certain procedures, particularly those involving mechanical stress, such as meniscus resection or cartilage therapy |
Small Study Size | The study acknowledges a small number of cases, which may limit the generalizability of the findings |
Exclusion Criteria | The exclusion criteria in the study, including the presence of hemarthrosis, inflammatory changes, and knee joint empyema, could affect the applicability of needle arthroscopy in real clinical scenarios |