What Is Arthroscopy?
Minimally Invasive Surgery
Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose, evaluate, and treat joint conditions from within the body using a specialized instrument called an arthroscope. The technique allows orthopedic surgeons to inspect joints through small incisions and perform surgical repairs without the need for a large, open surgical approach. This method has grown in popularity over recent decades, especially in sports medicine, where professional athletes often undergo arthroscopy for quicker recovery and return to performance.
Originally used as a diagnostic tool, arthroscopy has evolved into a versatile technique for treating various joint conditions. Unlike traditional open surgery, arthroscopy causes less trauma to the surrounding tissues and often results in faster recovery, less postoperative pain, and a lower risk of complications. Today, arthroscopy is routinely used on joints such as the shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, hip, and ankle.
What Are the Goals of Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic surgery aims to achieve effective joint care with minimal disruption to surrounding structures. The primary goals of arthroscopy include:
- Smaller incisions that minimize tissue damage
- Minimal soft tissue trauma around the joint
- Less visible scarring after surgery
- Lower infection rates due to the smaller wound area
- Reduced postoperative pain
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
The Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
Lower Risk of Complications
Because arthroscopy requires only tiny incisions (typically ¼ inch), it significantly reduces the chance of infection, excessive bleeding, and postoperative complications compared to traditional open surgery. Smaller wounds are easier to keep clean, which lowers the risk of bacterial contamination. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), infection rates for arthroscopic surgeries are less than 1%.
Less Pain and Swelling
Since arthroscopy doesn’t involve cutting through muscles or tendons, patients often report less pain and swelling following surgery. The precision of the technique helps preserve surrounding structures, which in turn reduces inflammation. Many patients can bear weight or start physical therapy within a day or two, depending on the joint and condition treated.
Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation
Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures lead to quicker healing times. Most patients return home the same day of surgery and can resume light activities within a few days. For athletes or physically active individuals, the reduced recovery time means a faster return to sport or work. Full recovery times depend on the procedure performed, but patients typically experience shorter rehabilitation periods compared to open surgery.
What Is an Arthroscope?
Arthroscope ready to be used at the surgery room
An arthroscope is a slender, flexible instrument approximately the size of a pencil. It contains a high-definition video camera and a fiber-optic light source that allows surgeons to view the inside of a joint in real-time. During the procedure, the arthroscope is inserted through a small incision and projects the image onto a video monitor. Surgeons can use this live feed to inspect the joint and identify damage to cartilage, ligaments, tendons, or bone.
In some cases, saline fluid is pumped into the joint through the arthroscope to expand the area, improving visibility and allowing for better precision during surgery. Surgeons then make additional tiny incisions—called “portals”—through which they insert other specialized instruments to perform necessary repairs.
Originally developed as a diagnostic tool, the arthroscope has become a powerful therapeutic instrument. While still used when imaging tests such as MRIs or X-rays are inconclusive, arthroscopy today is more often a treatment technique that helps restore joint function.
Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of joint problems. Common indications include:
- Inflammation or infection within the joint
- Torn cartilage, including meniscus and labrum injuries
- Ligament injuries, such as ACL or rotator cuff tears
- Loose bone or cartilage fragments
- Joint impingement, where tissues become pinched during movement
- Synovitis, or inflammation of the joint lining
- Arthritis, in early stages or to remove damaged tissue
- Joint instability, often due to dislocations or ligament laxity
- Scarring or adhesions restricting motion
Nearly any joint can be examined and treated with arthroscopy, though the most commonly treated areas include:
Shoulder arthroscopy is frequently performed to treat rotator cuff tears, labral tears (including SLAP tears), shoulder impingement syndrome, and arthritis. Surgeons may also remove bone spurs, repair ligaments, or treat shoulder instability using this method. This type of surgery is often recommended when physical therapy and medication fail to relieve shoulder pain.
This technique is used to treat conditions like tennis elbow, remove loose bodies, release scar tissue, or repair cartilage damage. It’s particularly helpful in patients with post-traumatic stiffness or arthritis. Arthroscopic elbow surgery offers an effective alternative to open surgery with fewer risks and faster recovery.
Wrist arthroscopy is commonly used to evaluate chronic wrist pain, repair torn ligaments, remove ganglion cysts, or treat cartilage injuries. Due to the complex anatomy of the wrist and the small joint space, the minimally invasive nature of arthroscopy makes it an ideal approach.
Hip arthroscopy treats conditions such as labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), snapping hip syndrome, and loose bodies within the joint. This procedure may also be used to treat early-stage hip arthritis or cartilage injuries and other soft tissue damage. Recovery may take longer than with other joints due to the deep location and weight-bearing nature of the hip.
Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed. It may be used to treat meniscal tears, remove loose cartilage or bone, repair torn ligaments (such as ACL reconstruction), and treat patellar issues or synovitis. Knee arthroscopy is often a same-day procedure with patients walking with assistance shortly afterward.
Surgeons perform ankle arthroscopy to address ankle impingement, instability, ligament tears, fractures, cartilage damage and arthritis. It’s also used to clean out the joint and remove scar tissue or bone spurs. Recovery typically involves a brief period of immobilization followed by physical therapy.
Are You a Candidate for Arthroscopic Surgery?
Arthroscopy is generally recommended for patients who have not found relief from conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, or corticosteroid injections. If joint pain, stiffness, swelling, or instability is interfering with your daily activities, work, or recreational life, arthroscopic surgery may be an appropriate next step.
Good candidates for arthroscopy typically include:
- Active individuals experiencing joint pain or loss of motion
- Patients with suspected or confirmed ligament, cartilage, or tendon injuries
- Individuals who do not respond to nonsurgical treatments
- Patients with recurring joint symptoms or mechanical problems like locking or catching
The decision to proceed with surgery is made after a comprehensive evaluation by an orthopedic specialist, often including imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
Risks and Considerations
While arthroscopic surgery is considered very safe and less invasive than traditional open surgery, it is still a surgical procedure and carries certain risks. These include:
- Infection at the incision site
- Bleeding or fluid leakage
- Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
- Nerve, blood vessel, or tissue damage
- Swelling or stiffness
- Instrument breakage (rare)
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, complication rates for arthroscopic procedures are very low—less than 1% in most cases. To minimize risks, patients are carefully screened before surgery and monitored closely during and after the procedure.
What to Expect During and After Arthroscopic Surgery
Before Surgery
You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before the procedure. Your surgeon will review your medical history and may request blood tests or imaging studies. Anesthesia (local, regional, or general) will be discussed based on the procedure and your health status.
During Surgery
The surgeon makes one or more small incisions around the joint and inserts the arthroscope. Images from the camera are projected on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to explore the joint and perform necessary repairs. Most procedures take under an hour, though more complex surgeries may take longer.
After Surgery
Patients typically recover in a short-stay unit and return home the same day. Ice and elevation can help reduce swelling. You’ll receive detailed instructions for wound care, physical activity, and follow-up. Physical therapy may begin shortly after surgery to restore motion and strength.
Most patients resume light activities within days and return to sports or strenuous activity in weeks to months, depending on the procedure and the joint involved.
The Future of Arthroscopy
As medical technology continues to evolve, arthroscopy is expanding into smaller joints such as fingers and toes. Innovations in robotics, high-definition imaging, and miniaturized instruments are making procedures even more precise.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain or limited mobility, it may be time to consider arthroscopic surgery. At Golden State Orthopedics & Spine, our board-certified surgeons are experienced in advanced arthroscopic techniques and tailor each procedure to your individual needs. We are proud to serve patients with leading-edge, compassionate orthopedic care.
Visit Our Doctors page to find a specialist near you and schedule an evaluation.