Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure orthopaedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The word arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). The term literally means “to look within the joint.”
In this procedure, an orthopaedic surgeon makes an incision in the skin, then inserts instruments containing a small lens and lighting system for magnification and illumination. This is attached to a video system allowing the surgeon to see the interior of the joint, including the cartilage, ligaments and so forth. Arthoscopy allows for a surgeon to better assess the amount or type of injury at hand and correct the problem, if necessary.
