ARTHROSCOPY

A procedure called an arthroscopy allows a surgeon to look at the inside of joints without the joint having to be cut open. Orthopedic surgeons (bone specialists) perform this procedure to view or perform surgery.

An arthroscope is a small, lighted tube that is inserted into small cuts near the joint. Once inserted, the surgeon can look through it to see inside the joint. Other small tools can be inserted into the other small cuts to repair the joint. Arthroscopy can be used for most joints. The knee joint is the most common site for arthroscopy.

Arthroscopy is performed to see what is causing a problem. If a person is having severe pain, an arthroscopy may be performed to see why a treatment is not helping the pain. More often it is done to repair a problem found in a joint, such as remove small pieces of bone from the joint or repair a known or suspected tear in cartilage or ligaments.

Arthroscopy is considered a minor surgical procedure and can usually be done on an outpatient basis. The recovery time depends on the type of procedure. The recovery for arthroscopy is faster than if a full open incision were made to correct the problem. If a repair is done through an arthroscope, ongoing physical therapy may be necessary. Physical therapy may be needed up to a few months to get the joint strong again.

Occasionally, after arthroscopy a joint may become infected. If there is any warmth, redness, swelling, fever, chills, or increased tenderness in the joint, the surgeon needs to be called. Remember, most people do very well after arthroscopy and have a rapid recovery.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File BONE4231.RF2 VRS# 4231 Data Version 7.0