FAQ: ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY

Arthroscopic Surgery FAQs

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive option for some patients with joint problems like tears or cartilage damage. Surgeons use a narrow scope — called an arthroscope — and special surgical tools to access a joint. Because the surgeon makes very small "keyhole" incisions, patients have less pain, less risk of infection, less blood loss and recover more quickly.

While any joint can benefit from arthroscopic surgery, the most common joints are the knees and shoulders, as well as the hips, ankles, elbows and wrists.

Procedures can include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and other ligament or tendon repairs, carpal tunnel surgery, bursitis surgery and more.

Arthroscopic surgery is a great choice for many people, but it’s not the right choice for everyone. Patients who would benefit from traditional, open surgery instead include those with severe degenerative joint disease such as osteoarthritis, patients with significant cartilage loss, narrow joint spaces, or large tendon/ligament tears.

Arthroscopic surgery has been safely performed for more than two decades, so risk is low. As with any surgery, complications can include blood clots, infection, swelling, bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves, and muscle damage.

You may be given general or regional anesthesia depending on the joint and condition being treated.

Your surgeon makes small incisions and uses an arthroscope and specialized tools to repair the joint. Incisions are closed with sutures or Steri-Strips and covered with a bandage.

You will receive instructions for wound care, exercises, and activity restrictions before discharge.

Recovery from arthroscopic surgery can take as little as a week or up to several months, depending on the joint repair. You can expect some soreness and pain, but most people can return to light activity within hours or a couple days after surgery.

For your best recovery, follow the instructions on how to take care of your wounds and perform strength-building exercises, but don’t push yourself beyond your doctor’s advice.