What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy means ‘to look inside a joint’. It is a type of key-hole surgery or procedure which allows the Doctor to see inside the joint. Arthroscopy is a safe and effective way of diagnosing and treating problems of the joint.

How is Arthroscopy performed?

Unlike conventional ‘open’ surgery, which requires a large incision, arthroscopy is performed by making a small incision in the patient’s skin and inserting pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. Light is transmitted through fibre optics to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted into the joint. The surgeon can see the joint’s interior through this tiny incision by attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera. The television camera displays the image of the joint on the television screen, allowing the surgeon to look, for example, throughout the knee at cartilage, ligaments and under the kneecap. The surgeon can determine the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem, if necessary.

When is Arthroscopy necessary?

A thorough medical history, physical examination, x-ray and additional tests like MRI or CT scan may be performed initially to diagnose injury or disease in the joint. A final diagnosis is made through the arthroscope, which is usually more accurate than open surgery or x-ray studies.

What are the advantages of Arthroscopy?

Accuracy in identifying and dealing with the problem is the prime advantage of arthroscopy. The recovery is faster and less painful in arthroscopic surgery, as smaller incisions are made. There is a minimal scar and the person can return to work or active sports very soon.