Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a joint is viewed using an arthroscope (a small fiber-optic viewing instrument made up of a tiny lens, light source and video camera). arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor through which the surgeon can see the structure of the joint in detail. The surgeon uses arthroscopy to repair or remove damaged tissue.

During the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon inserts the arthroscope into your joint through a tiny incision (about ¼ of an inch). Two or three other tiny incisions may be made to allow the surgeon a better view or to insert surgical instruments used to repair the joint. With these small incisions and direct access to most areas of the joint, an arthroscopic surgeon can diagnose and surgically correct a vast array of problems such as arthritis and ligament tears. These incisions result in very small scars which in many cases are unnoticeable.

In the past, treatment of orthopaedic injuries involved extensive surgery, including large incisions, a hospital stay, and a prolonged recovery period. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive alternative to these open surgeries and results in a reduction of complications reduced pain and swelling, and shorter recovery times. Additionally, almost all arthroscopic procedures can be performed in an outpatient setting.