Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where an orthopedic surgeon uses a camera and working portal, inserted through two small incisions, to perform the surgery. This technique is referred to as "keyhole" surgery and while it can be challenging, the outcome is often improved function. Currently, the most common joints scoped are the knee and shoulder, but there is an increasing trend towards scoping more complex joints, such as the hip.
"The term "arthroscopy" is derived from the Greek words "arthro" meaning joint and "skopein" meaning to look. This procedure allows an orthopedic surgeon to examine the interior of a joint through a small incision. The examination is performed using a pencil-sized instrument equipped with a lens and lighting system, which magnifies and illuminates the joint's internal structures. The light is transmitted through fiber optics to the end of the arthroscope inserted into the joint.