[The value of arthroscopy following traumatic patellar dislocation].

Traumatic dislocations of the patella and associated osteochondral fractures can be easily diagnosed by arthroscopy. During 1984-1986 acute arthroscopy was performed in 280 patients with traumatic haemarthrosis of the knee joint. In 26 cases the intraarticular bleeding was caused by patellar dislocation. Most of these injuries occurred during sports activities. Arthroscopic surgery gave excellent results in most of the cases. Arthrotomy had to be performed in 3 patients only.