Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a surgeon to examine and treat the inside of a joint. An arthroscope, a small camera on the end of a long, thin tube, is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a screen, allowing the surgeon to see the joint structures and any damage or disease.
Arthroscopy can be performed on many joints, including the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, and wrist. Common conditions that can be treated with arthroscopy include:
Torn ligaments
Torn cartilage
Osteoarthritis
Meniscus tears in the knee
Frozen shoulder
Wrist and elbow joint issues
Arthroscopy is a less invasive alternative to traditional open joint surgery and often leads to a quicker recovery. However, not all joint conditions can be treated with arthroscopy, and some may require open surgery. Your surgeon can determine the best treatment option for you.