Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a method of viewing a joint (knee, shoulder, etc) and, if needed, to perform surgery on a joint without having to make a major incision (cut) in the joint. An arthroscope consists of a tiny tube, a lens, and a light source. The device is inserted into a small incision and allows a surgeon to look for joint damage or disease. Arthroscopy allows for the visualization of the interior of a joint through the use of optic instruments. Surgery can now be performed on larger joints using direct visualization and miniaturized techniques. After the “arthroscopic procedure”, the person can often go home the same day. Arthroscopy can help monitor the progression of a disease or determine whether a treatment is working. This test is usually performed when there is:
- Suspected ligament tear
- Damaged meniscus cartilage
- Evidence of bone fragments from a fracture
- Joint pain from an injury
- Unexplainable joint pain
- Lesions or other problems detected by x-rays
- Joint disease
- A need for joint surgery
Arthroscopy
Source: National Library of Medicine 2007, Medical Encyclopedia: Arthroscopy)
