What is arthroscopy or arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy or arthroscopic surgery is a procedure used to examine the inside of a joint by inserting a thin tube (arthroscope) containing a camera and light through small incisions near the joint. The camera sends a close-up video image of the joint to a TV monitor, where the doctor can look at the inside of the joint.

Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose joint diseases and injuries and to treat some joint problems. The doctor can insert surgical instruments through the arthroscope to take tissue samples or to repair injuries or damage to the joint. The doctor may make other small incisions in the joint to insert other instruments.

Generally, recovery after arthroscopic surgery is quicker and easier than after traditional surgery that uses larger incisions. Most people can go home from the hospital the same day.

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which damage to the interior of a joint is visualized using an arthroscope, which is inserted into the joint through one small incision while surgical instruments are inserted through another.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that can be performed without opening a joint. Typically, while the patient is under anesthesia, the surgeon makes a small incision and injects a clear, sterile fluid to make the joint swell for easier viewing. Through another small incision, an arthroscope is inserted. The arthroscope is a lighted tube, with which the surgeon examines the inside of the joint. Sometimes a third incision is used to remove pieces of cartilage or bone that cause pain and inflammation or to repair damaged tissue.

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