Arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive surgery that evaluates and treats joint problems. At Dignity Health, your joint’s health is the top priority for our board-certified and compassionate surgeons.
During arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon will use a small tool called an arthroscope, with a small camera attached to the end, to get an accurate picture of the inside of your joint.
Your doctor may recommend an arthroscopic procedure if noninvasive treatments have not successfully treated your joint problem. Doctors at Dignity Health use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat the following conditions:
If you or a loved one is experiencing one or more of these symptoms, talk with a doctor at Dignity Health. Our orthopedic experts can perform arthroscopy to diagnose joint problems and treat chronic conditions.
Arthroscopy is performed in a Dignity Health hospital or outpatient surgery center. You most likely will receive anesthesia to prevent pain during the surgery.
For this minimally invasive procedure, your surgeon will make at least two small incisions in your joint. Through these incisions, the surgeon will insert the arthroscope and other instruments needed to diagnose a problem or make repairs. The length of the procedure will depend on what needs done.
Most people are able to return home several hours after an arthroscopy. You may need a splint, sling, or crutches for a while to stabilize your joint while it heals. Physical therapy will help to strengthen the muscles around your joint and improve your range of motion.
Your healthcare provider will let you know when it is safe to return to normal, daily activities. A full recovery from arthroscopy may take anywhere from several weeks to months, depending on your specific condition.
For more information, please view our Minimally Invasive Surgery page, or call us to Find a Doctor.
