Abstract
Objective: To compare the two methods of management of the arthroscopic portal sites.
Background: The methods of managing the Arthroscopy Portals are not standardized. The options are to close with the use of Non Absorbable Sutures or leave it open with sterile simple dressing. This study compares the two methods of management.
Material and Methods: We present the outcome of 70 knee Arthroscopies carried out over a period of 24 months in Shri. B. M. Patil Medical College, Bijapur which were chosen alternatively into two groups one with simple sutures other with simple dressings. Outcome measures adopted were level of pain, redness, localised swelling, superficial infection, appearance of the wound after healing. Any observations were reported by an independent observer who was blinded with method of management.
Results: No patient was lost during follow up. There was significant difference in the two groups with regards to the redness, swelling, severity of the pain and cosmesis.34% patients developed redness in suture group while only 5% patients developed redness in simple dressing group. 28% patients developed mild to moderate swelling in suture group while only 2% patient developed mild swelling in simple dressing group. 5% patients developed minimal superficial infection in suture group while no patients developed such complication in simple dressing group. Regarding the scar appearance 71% were happy in sutured group while 97% were happy in simple dressing group. Fifteen patients in suture group suffered mild to moderate pain while five patients suffered mild pain in simple dressing group. There was no long term complication in any patients.
Conclusion: From our findings we suggest that it is preferable to leave arthroscopy portals open with simple dressing.

Key words: Arthroscopy, portal sites, portal closure