Arthroscopy

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive procedure that allows your orthopedic surgeon to view the inside of your joint with only a small incision.

The procedure features specially-designed surgical tools that are about the size of a pencil. These tools include a light and a camera -- called the arthroscope -- that sends images back to a monitor in the treatment room to provide a visual of the inside of your joint.

What Happens During Arthroscopy?

When you have an arthroscopic procedure, you’re under anesthesia throughout the procedure, and your surgeon uses a local anesthetic to numb the treatment area. They also make a few small incisions to insert the arthroscope and other tools into your joint. The joint is filled with saline to create space and allow clear images.

Your surgeon examines the inside of your joint in order to fully diagnose the condition. If possible, small tools are used to repair your joint or otherwise correct your issue.

When the procedure is complete, your surgeon drains the saline from your joint and closes the small incisions with stitches.

What Conditions are Diagnosed or Treated with Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is commonly used on shoulders, knees, elbows, ankles, hips, and wrists. For example, your physician uses arthroscopy to diagnose and treat:

• Loose pieces of bone or cartilage
• Torn ligaments
• Inflamed synovium (joint lining)
• Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
• ACL and meniscus injuries in your knees
• Carpal tunnel syndrome in your wrist

What are the Benefits of Arthroscopy?

As a minimally-invasive surgery, arthroscopy offers a variety of patient benefits.

• Outpatient Procedure: In most cases, arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, so you can go home on the same day. Arthroscopy is typically easier on your body than traditional open surgery.
• Easier and Quicker Recovery: Arthroscopy doesn’t require large incisions, so the procedure is less painful than traditional open surgeries. You also experience less discomfort as you recover, and you need less time off for healing since there are only a few incisions that need to close.
• Reduced Risk: Minimally-invasive surgeries like arthroscopy have reduced the risk of infection and scarring. The small incisions limit your exposure to infection and leave marks that are less noticeable than the larger incision needed for open surgery.

Call or make an appointment online to learn more about arthroscopy.