Overview

Arthroscopy is a type of orthopaedic surgery that uses small incisions to examine a joint and treat problems. It requires making small cuts near the joint and putting in a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope. The arthroscope has a camera and a light that send pictures to a monitor so the surgeon can see the inside of the body in real time. People often have arthroscopy done on their knees, shoulders, ankles, hips, elbows, or wrists. Along with diagnosing the problem, small surgical tools can be used to repair broken cartilage or ligaments or to remove loose pieces through additional cuts. The best thing about arthroscopy is that it causes less tissue damage and speeds recovery compared to open surgery.

Why It's Done
Arthroscopy is a test and treatment for joint problems that cause pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability. People often use it for torn meniscus, ligament injuries such as ACL tears, cartilage damage, rotator cuff tears, and joint inflammation. Arthroscopy allows doctors observe and treat problems directly when imaging tests like MRI don't give clear results or conservative treatments don't help. The goal is to get the joints working again and ease the pain with as little surgery as possible.

What to Expect?
Before surgery, doctors perform a physical exam and imaging tests to determine what is wrong with the joint. They do blood tests and checkups before the surgery. Most of the time, people have an arthroscopy while asleep or under general anaesthesia. Small cuts are made around the joint during surgery. The arthroscope is inserted, and sterile fluid can be used to enlarge the joint so the doctor can see it better. The surgeon uses specialised tools to examine the joint structures and make any necessary repairs. Sutures or adhesive strips are used to close the cuts after surgery, and dressings are applied over them. Patients are watched over in a recovery area before being sent home, which is usually the same day. At first, it is best to manage pain, get plenty of sleep, and limit joint movement. After surgery, physical therapy may start right away to help you get stronger and move better.

Recovery & Outlook
The time it takes to heal depends on the joint treated and the type of repair performed. Some minor surgeries may let you go back to your normal activities in a few weeks, but ligament repairs take longer to heal. At first, swelling and mild pain are common. Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy usually heals faster, leaves less scarring, and has fewer complications. Most patients experience improved joint function and reduced pain after proper rehabilitation.