Description

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It’s sometimes called “keyhole surgery” because it uses small incisions and a tiny camera to look inside the joint. 🔍 What Is Arthroscopy? A surgeon inserts a thin, flexible tube called an arthroscope (with a camera and light) into the joint through a small cut. The live video feed is displayed on a monitor, allowing the surgeon to examine, diagnose, and often treat joint issues—sometimes without needing a larger incision. 🦴 Common Joints Treated with Arthroscopy: Knee (most common) Shoulder Ankle Elbow Wrist Hip 🛠️ Conditions Treated or Diagnosed: Torn cartilage (e.g., meniscus in the knee) Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears) Inflamed joint linings (synovitis) Loose bone or cartilage fragments Rotator cuff tears (shoulder) Labral tears (shoulder or hip) Joint infections or unexplained pain/swelling ⚙️ How the Procedure Works: You’re usually given local, regional, or general anesthesia. Small incisions are made near the joint. The arthroscope goes in, and sterile fluid may be used to expand the joint for better visibility. Tiny instruments may be inserted to fix the problem (e.g., remove torn cartilage, repair ligaments). Incisions are closed with small stitches or steri-strips. 🧊 Recovery: Usually much quicker than open surgery Often done as outpatient surgery Return to light activity within a few days to a week Full recovery depends on what was treated (can be several weeks) ✅ Benefits: Smaller incisions Less pain and scarring Faster recovery Lower risk of infection ⚠️ Possible Complications (Rare): Infection Blood clots Swelling or stiffness Damage to surrounding tissues Would you like a comparison between arthroscopy and joint replacement? Or maybe info tailored to a specific joint like the knee or shoulder?