Abstract
We developed a small-diameter fiber arthroscope distinct in design from a conventional lens-system arthroscope. Initially, however, the image quality provided by the fiber arthroscope was inferior to that obtained with the lens-system arthroscope. In order to compensate for this shortcoming, we improved the image quality in real time using a personal computer. The diag-nostic rate was increased by the fiber arthroscope used with a PC, and we found that for such use the arthroscope was more practical. Because of such features as small diameter, flexibility, and visual inspection with minimum invasion, this fiber arthroscope can be applied for smaller joints and narrow spaces within the joint, which are difficult to observe with a conventional lens-system arthroscope. The small-diameter fiber arthroscope is also suitable for use in the office or clinic.
