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Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery, also known as arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat injuries and problems inside the joints. It is commonly used for the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, ankle, and wrist, and is typically performed on an outpatient basis.

Orthopedic surgeons performing arthroscopic surgery while watching the camera monitor

Inside The Arthroscopy Procedure

Arthroscopy is performed with a thin tube fitted with a small camera, called an arthroscope, inserted into the joint through a small incision. The camera lets the surgeon see inside the joint and identify any damage or abnormalities.
 
The surgeon then uses small instruments, inserted through other small incisions, to make repairs or remove damaged tissue. Whether you have shoulder, knee, hip, elbow, or other joint pain from injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, arthroscopy allows damage inside the joint to be viewed and repaired with minimal disruption.

Conditions Arthroscopy Treats

This procedure is used for the following conditions. Each links to its own page with symptoms and other treatment options.

Meniscus tearsTorn cartilage in the knee. Rotator cuff tearsTorn shoulder tendons. Hip labral tearsTorn cartilage around the hip socket. Shoulder labral and SLAP tearsTorn cartilage around the shoulder socket. OsteoarthritisRemoving damaged cartilage or bone spurs in selected cases.
Loose bodiesFragments of bone or cartilage lodged in a joint.
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Is Arthroscopy Right For You?

Arthroscopy may be recommended when joint pain, catching, locking, or instability has not improved with conservative care and an examination and imaging point to a problem inside the joint.
 
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How Arthroscopy Works

Arthroscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis:

  1. 1

    Anesthesia

    You are made comfortable for the procedure.

  2. 2

    Small incisions

    A few small incisions are made around the joint.

  3. 3

    Camera view

    The arthroscope shows the inside of the joint on a monitor.

  4. 4

    Repair

    Small instruments repair or remove damaged tissue.

  5. 5

    Home the same day

    Physical therapy helps restore strength and mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, inserted through a small incision to diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.

Which joints can be treated with arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is commonly used on the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, ankle, and wrist.

What conditions does arthroscopy treat?

Common conditions include meniscus tears, rotator cuff tears, labral tears, loose bodies (fragments of bone or cartilage), ligament injuries, and some cases of arthritis.

Is arthroscopy an outpatient procedure?

Yes. Arthroscopy is typically performed on an outpatient basis, so patients go home the same day.

How long is recovery?

Recovery depends on the condition treated and the procedure performed. Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility.

What are the benefits over open surgery?

Smaller incisions mean less pain and scarring and a faster recovery than traditional open surgery.

Can arthroscopy be used for diagnosis?

Yes. The camera lets the surgeon see inside the joint directly, which can confirm a diagnosis and allow treatment in the same procedure.

How do I know if arthroscopy is right for me?

An orthopedic evaluation and imaging help determine whether arthroscopy is appropriate. Call (321) 499-4646.

Benefits Of Minimally Invasive Arthroscopy

Compared with traditional open surgery, arthroscopy offers:

  • Smaller incisions and less scarring.
  • Less pain after surgery.
  • A faster recovery.
  • Direct visualization for accurate diagnosis.
  • Outpatient surgery, home the same day.
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Related Treatments

Meniscectomy

A meniscectomy is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of all or part of the meniscus, a crescent-shaped piece of cartilage located between the thigh bone and shin bone in the knee joint.

Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair

Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair fixes torn shoulder tendons through small incisions, usually as an outpatient procedure. Learn how it works and recovery.

Knee Ligament Reconstruction

Also known as a knee ligament repair, this procedure involves replacing the damaged ligament in the knee with a healthy tendon.

Ankle Arthroscopy

Ankle arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat various ankle conditions.

Joint Replacement

Orthopedic joint replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing a damaged or diseased joint with an artificial joint, also known as a prosthesis. The most common joints that are replaced are the hip and knee, but joint replacement surgery can also be performed on the shoulder, elbow, ankle, and finger joints.

Total Hip Replacement

When hip pain interferes with daily life and is not helped by more conservative treatments such as pain management or injections, it may become necessary to replace the hip with an artificial implant.

Knee Replacement

Minimally invasive knee replacement relieves arthritis pain with smaller incisions, less tissue disruption, and a faster recovery.

Shoulder Replacement Surgery

Shoulder replacement surgery, also known as shoulder arthroplasty is a procedure used to relieve pain and improve function in individuals with severe shoulder joint arthritis or a shoulder joint injury.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is an advanced form of extended care that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of musculoskeletal conditions to help relieve chronic pain and other symptoms.

Arthroscopic Vs. Open Surgery

The Arthroscopic Advantage

How arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery of the joint compares with traditional open surgery.

Open surgeryArthroscopicMinimally invasive
IncisionOne larger incision to open the joint.A few small incisions for a camera and slim instruments.
Soft tissueMore disruption of muscle and tissue.Less disruption of the surrounding tissue.
VisualizationDirect view through the open incision.A magnified camera view inside the joint.
Hospital stayMay require a hospital stay.Usually outpatient; most patients go home the same day.
Recovery and scarringA longer recovery and a larger scar.Typically less pain, smaller scars, and a quicker start to rehabilitation.

Arthroscopy is a safe and effective option for treating many joint injuries, with less pain, scarring, and recovery time than open surgery.

Our Patients Stories

Hear our patients share their experience with us, All in their own words.

Why Choose Total Spine and Orthopedics

Expert, ultra-minimally invasive spine and orthopedic care, close to home.

  • Ultra-minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques

    We specialize in procedures performed through incisions smaller than a dime, sparing muscle and supporting a faster recovery.

  • Same-day, outpatient procedures

    Most patients walk in and return home within hours, rather than facing an overnight hospital stay.

  • Board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons

    Our team includes early leaders in endoscopic spine surgery.

  • A complimentary MRI review

    Understand your diagnosis and options from a board-certified specialist before committing to any treatment.

  • Trusted by our community

    More than 1,100 patient reviews at a 4.6-star average, and over 50,000 patients treated.

  • Skilled arthroscopic surgeons

    Our surgeons view and repair joint damage using small incisions and specialized instruments.

  • Comprehensive spine and orthopedic care

    From injections to advanced procedures, your full continuum of care is handled in one place.

  • Convenient locations across the Space Coast and Orlando

    Care close to home in Melbourne, Orlando (Lake Nona), and Titusville.

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