Posterior trans-septal portal for arthroscopic surgery of the knee joint

Summary: The authors introduce a safe arthroscopic technique of making a portal through the posterior septum of the knee joint, posterior to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This posterior trans-septal portal makes it possible for the arthroscope or the working instruments inserted through the posteromedial portal to reach the posterolateral compartment. With this portal, complete arthroscopic visualization of the posterior compartment and easier arthroscopic procedures for the posterior compartment of the knee joints are possible, including the posterior and posterosuperior aspect of the both femoral condyles, the posterior horns of both menisci, the posterior and inferior portion of the PCL, the posterior meniscofemoral ligament, the posterior septum, and the posterior capsule. We have used this technique in more than 150 knees for arthroscopic total synovectomy for arthritis of various origins, arthroscopic PCL reconstructions, arthroscopic removal of encapsulated loose bodies or tumors located behind the PCL, arthroscopic repairs of tears in the posterior horns of the medial menisci using the all-inside technique, arthroscopic pullout suture fixation of the avulsion fracture of tibial attachment of PCL, and others. No complications such as injuries of the popliteal neurovascular structures have occurred in our experience. Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related surgery, Vol 16, No 7 (October), 2000: pp 774–779