Arthroscopy


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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

Arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-skuh-pee) is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. During arthroscopy, a surgeon inserts a narrow tube containing a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision — about the size of a buttonhole. The view inside your joint is transmitted to a video monitor.

Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your joint without having to make a large incision. Surgeons can even repair some types of joint damage during arthroscopy, with pencil-thin surgical instruments inserted through additional small incisions.

Why it's done
References
  1. Arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00109. Accessed June 26, 2012.
  2. Canale ST, et al. Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 11th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-4/0/1584/0.html. Accessed June 26, 2012.
  3. Knee arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://www.orthoinfo.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00299. Accessed June 26, 2012.
  4. Barbara Woodward Lips Patient Education Center. Care following lower extremity arthroscopy. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2009.
  5. Stuart MJ (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 26, 2012.
MY00130 Aug. 28, 2012

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