What Is Arthroscopic Surgery?

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy is an outpatient surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. 

"With current advances in surgical instruments and techniques, surgeons can treat a wide array of conditions and avoid open surgery," said Neil Watnik, MD, Catholic Heath Orthopedic Surgeon.

He explained that arthroscopy benefits patients because it allows surgeons to view and repair injuries using smaller cuts and does not require overnight hospitalization.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

“Arthroscopy allows surgeons to view and repair joints in the same procedure,” said Dr. Watnik. “It also allows a more accurate joint visualization than open surgery or imaging exams for diagnosing joint problems.”

Arthroscopic surgery benefits include: 

• Minimally invasive procedure
• Outpatient procedure (no hospitalization)
• Smaller incisions
• Faster recovery time than open surgery
• Less pain
• Minimal blood loss 

What joints can a surgeon examine with arthroscopy?

Orthopedic surgeons can perform arthroscopy on various joints, including: 

• Ankles and feet
• Elbows
• Wrists 
• Hips
• Knees
• Shoulders 

Who needs arthroscopic surgery?

“Arthroscopic surgery is recommended for many joint injuries and inflammatory conditions that nonsurgical treatment cannot relieve," said Dr. Watnik.

Arthroscopic surgery helps diagnose and treat injuries or diseases that affect the ligaments, joints and tendons, including but not limited to: 

• Arthritis 
• Dislocating shoulders
• Knee pain 
• Rotator cuff tears
• Torn ligaments

What is the preparation for arthroscopic surgery?

Your orthopedic surgeon will review any pre-testing you may need before surgery. You will also need to review your current medications and supplements. 

Pre-surgery instructions also include: 

• Ask someone to drive you home.
• Avoid eating or drinking after midnight the day before the procedure.
• Stop taking medicines or supplements that may increase your risk of bleeding.
• Tell your doctor if you have allergies.

What happens during arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy is a same-day outpatient procedure. Your orthopedic surgeon performs the procedure in a hospital or outpatient operating room. The duration of the surgery will depend on your condition. 

During the procedure, your surgeon will:

• Make small incisions, about the size of buttonholes, in the affected joint.
• Insert a small tube called an arthroscope into the joint.
• View images of the ligaments, joint surfaces and tendons on a video monitor.
• Examine and repair injuries. 

What are the risks of arthroscopic surgery?

“Arthroscopic surgery is a safe surgery with positive outcomes,” said Dr. Watnik.  “But all surgery comes with some level of risk.” 

Risks may include: 

• Blood clots 
• Excessive swelling
• Infections
• Nerve or tissue damage

What is the recovery time after arthroscopic surgery?

After the procedure, you will go to a recovery room to rest for about an hour. Your doctor may prescribe pain relief medication, such as a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), for pain relief. Your orthopedic surgeon may also recommend physical therapy to strengthen muscles and speed recovery. 

Dr. Watnik recommends the following when you return home:

• Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling. Your post-surgical instructions will note frequency and duration.
• Elevate the area to reduce pain and swelling. 
• Avoid activities that can aggravate the treated area.
• Keep the area as dry as possible while the wound heals.
• Monitor the incision site. Call your doctor immediately if you notice any redness or show signs of an infection, such as a fever.
• Call your doctor if your pain is excessive and not manageable with the prescribed pain reliever. 
• Keep up with your follow-up appointments to monitor recovery.

“Recovery from arthroscopic surgery is relatively quick, with most patients returning to work or normal activity several days after the procedure,” said Dr. Watnik. “However, recovery is determined by the extent of the surgery, so some patients may need several weeks to several months. “