Which of the following statement(s) is/are true concerning operative arthroscopy?

a. Arthroscopy is unquestionably the most effective method for diagnosis and treatment of knee ligament injuries

b. Arthroscopic repair allows almost immediate rehabilitation

Arthroscopy is unquestionably the most effective method for the diagnosis and treatment of knee ligament injuries. Previously there was not certainty that there was a torn ligament, or how many, or whether the tears were complete. With arthroscopy, ligament injuries can be diagnosed with certainty on the day of injury or shortly thereafter and reparative surgical treatment initiated. Complete tears of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee are devastating injuries. The arthroscope allows immediate and certain diagnosis of an anterior cruciate ligament tear and is a valuable tool in operative reconstruction of function. Using small external incisions, special drilling guides, and the arthroscope, strong boneligament-bone grafts may be placed in an anatomic location. Considerable increased stability is often achieved, allowing patients to return to a high-level sports activity. The small size of the incision, the clear visualization of the interior of the joint, and the ability to perform definitive surgical corrections with minimal damage to other structures often allows immediate rehabilitation. Muscular atrophy due to extensive immobilization and nonweight bearing is prevented. Loose fragments from minuscule injuries can easily be removed by the arthroscope. If they are too large for removal using the standard small, delicate athroscopy instruments, a small direct arthrotomy can be performed and arthroscopically directed open loose body removal easily accomplished. Similarly, loose bodies that have previously required open arthrotomy for removal are more easily treated with arthroscopic instrumentation.