Arthroscopy is a procedure that the orthopedic surgeons use to see inside your joint in order to diagnose and treat problems inside the joint, using a tube-like instrument called an arthroscope. The word arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). The term literally means “to look within the joint.” It involves making a small incision in the patient’s skin and then 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 fiber optics to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted into the joint. By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision needed for surgery. The surgeon can determine the amount or type of injury and then repair or correct the problem if it is necessary.

Although arthroscopic surgery has received a lot of public attention because it is used to treat well-known athletes, it is an extremely valuable tool for all orthopaedic patients and is generally easier on the patient than “open” surgery. Most patients have their arthroscopic surgery as inpatients and are home several hours after the surgery. Since it is done through key holes, the arthroscopic surgery is minially invasive, hence it is less painful then open surgery. The recovery is also faster. Besides, the surgeon gets a magnified view of the problem through the arthroscope (camera), hence he can deal with the problem in a better fashion. Hospital stay is decreased and hence costs can be minimised.

Although uncommon, complications do occur occasionally during or following arthroscopy. Infection, phlebitis (blood clots of a vein), excessive swelling or bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves, and instrument breakage are the most common complications, but occur in far less than 1 percent of all arthroscopic procedures.

The cost of the arthroscopy surgery depends upon the exact procedure needed and is variable. But, the cost of arthroscopic surgery in long term comes out to beless than the open surgery.

Usually arthroscopic surgery is done as a daycare procedure. Sometimes overnight stay may be required.

The small puncture wounds take several days to heal. The operative dressing can usually be removed the morning after surgery and adhesive strips can be applied to cover the small healing incisions. Although the puncture wounds are small and pain in the joint that underwent arthroscopy is minimal, it takes several weeks for the joint to maximally recover. A specific activity and rehabilitation program may be suggested to speed your recover and protect future joint function.

It is usual for patients to go back to work or school or resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and others who are in good physical condition may in some cases return to athletic activities within a few weeks. Remember, though, that people who have arthroscopy can have many different diagnoses and preexisting conditions, so each patient’s arthroscopic surgery is unique to that person. Recovery time will reflect that individuality.