To analyze the complication rates associated with office based arthroscopy in 2 community based rheumatology practices.
A retrospective analysis of 335 office based arthroscopy performed on 306 patients over a 35 mo period. All patients met specific clinical criteria to qualify for office based arthroscopy. Patients were followed postarthroscopy for a minimum of 12 weeks to assess the rates and types of complications.
Of the 335 office based arthroscopies, 131 were diagnostic only, while 204 procedures were diagnostic and therapeutic. A total of 280 interventions were performed. Both major and minor complications were seen. The complication rates for major and minor events were 1.2 and 12.8%, respectively. There was no mortality or longterm morbidity.
Office based arthroscopy in patients with rheumatic diseases has a safety profile that compares favorably with arthroscopy performed in an ambulatory surgical center or operating room setting.