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Freeze cracking methods for the preparation of the scanning electron microscope specimens are described and the results obtained in the rat kidney and human spleen are demonstrated.Fixed tissue pieces immersed either in ethanol, isoamyl acetate, or in 40% dimethyl sulfoxide were quench-frozen in liquid nitrogen or in Freon-22 cooled by liquid nitrogen and cracked.Freeze cracking in ethanol and isoamyl acetate produced clean and flat fracture surfaces causing excellent visualization of the lining surfaces of the opened vessels, tubules and tissue spaces. Freeze cracking in dimethyl sulfoxide tended to cause fracture along cell surfaces and intracellular membranes.In scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies of tissues and organs, it is often desired to cut them open, not only to see the inside of some cells, but, more importantly, also to visualize some interior surfaces enclosed by cells and other elements, e.g., hepatic sinusoids, splenic sinus, urinary canalicules and capillary endothelial surfaces.

The arthroscopic procedure is recommended in selected tibial plateau fractures.

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