Arthroscopic management of intra-articular low-velocity gunshot wounds of the knee

This article reports on the arthroscopic management of intra-articular low-velocity gunshot wounds. Thirteen (12 men and 1 woman) patients comprised the study population treated over a 5-year period. All patients underwent arthroscopy within 24 hours of injury. Four patients had additional limited arthrotomies for internal fixation of associated fractures and removal of an embedded bullet. Allograft reconstruction as a delayed procedure was required in 1 patient with extensive bone deficiency of the medial femoral condyle. Two patients suffered cruciate ligament tears: one avulsion fracture of the femoral attachment of the posterior cruciate ligament and one avulsion tear of the tibial attachment of the anterior cruciate ligament. Meniscal damage was observed in 2 patients, one of which required a primary repair. No infections or operative complications occurred. Arthroscopic evaluation of the affected knees allowed debridement of osteochondral loose bodies, retained foreign materials and bullet fragments, and also aided in surgical decision making.