What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems. Instead of making a large incision, the surgeon makes very small cuts (about the size of a buttonhole) and inserts a tiny camera called an arthroscope into the joint.
The arthroscope displays images on a screen, allowing the surgeon to see the joint’s inside in great detail. Through additional small incisions, surgical instruments can be inserted to repair or treat the problem.
Because it involves small cuts, arthroscopy is often referred to as “keyhole surgery.”
Joints Commonly Treated with Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy can be used on almost all major joints. The most common ones include:
- Knee Arthroscopy – to treat torn ligaments, meniscus tears, and cartilage problems.
- Shoulder Arthroscopy – for rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and shoulder instability.
- Hip Arthroscopy – for femoroacetabular impingement, labral repair, and cartilage damage.
- Ankle Arthroscopy – for chronic ankle pain, ligament injuries, and scar tissue removal.
- Wrist Arthroscopy – for carpal tunnel syndrome and ligament injuries.
- Elbow Arthroscopy – for stiffness, loose bodies, or arthritis.
What are the Conditions Treated by Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is not just diagnostic but also therapeutic. Some of the common conditions include:
- Torn ligaments (like ACL tear in the knee)
- Meniscus tears
- Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
- Damaged cartilage or loose fragments in a joint
- Inflammation in the joint lining (synovitis)
- Shoulder impingement
- Hip labral tears
- Joint infections
- Arthritis-related damage (in early stages)
What are the Advantages of Arthroscopy (Why It’s Life-Changing)
Arthroscopy offers several benefits compared to traditional open surgery:
- Smaller Incisions – Less scarring and faster healing.
- Less Pain – Minimal tissue damage leads to reduced postoperative discomfort.
- Faster Recovery – Patients return to daily activities and work much sooner.
- Lower Risk of Infection – Small wounds mean fewer complications.
- Better Accuracy – The arthroscope provides a magnified view, helping surgeons treat issues precisely.
- Daycare Procedure – Many arthroscopies are done on an outpatient basis.
For athletes, this is especially life-changing as it allows a quicker return to sports and training.
The Arthroscopy Procedure – Step by Step
- Preparation: The patient undergoes anesthesia (local, regional, or general depending on the case).
- Incision: Small incisions are made near the affected joint.
- Insertion of Arthroscope: The camera is inserted, and images are displayed on a monitor.
- Diagnosis & Repair: Specialized instruments are inserted to repair tissues, remove debris, or reconstruct ligaments.
- Closure: Small sutures or adhesive strips close the incisions.
The entire procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on complexity.
What are the Recovery After Arthroscopy?
One of the key reasons arthroscopy is considered life-changing is the speed of recovery.
- Immediate Post-Surgery: Patients are usually discharged the same day.
- First Few Days: Ice packs, elevation, and prescribed medications help control swelling and pain.
- Physiotherapy: Plays a crucial role in restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility.
- Return to Work/Sports: Many patients return to desk jobs within a week and to sports within a few months, depending on the condition treated.
Compared to traditional surgery, recovery is much faster and less painful.
What are the Risks and Complications?
Though arthroscopy is very safe, like any surgery, it carries some risks, including:
- Minor bleeding or swelling
- Joint stiffness
- Blood clots (rare)
- Infection (very rare due to small incisions)
Overall, the complication rate is significantly lower than open surgeries.