Arthroscopy - Mayo Clinic
COVID-19 Advice updates and vaccine options
Find out about COVID-19, COVID-19 vaccines, and Mayo Clinic patient and visitor updates. Skip to site navigation Skip to Content This content does not have an English version.This content does not have an Arabic version. Search Request an Appointment Find a Doctor Find a Job Give Now Log in to Patient Account English Español العربية 简体中文 Twitter Facebook Pinterest YouTube Menu Request an Appointment Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Arthroscopy
Print Overview
Arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-kuh-pee) is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon inserts a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision - about the size of a buttonhole. The view inside your joint is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your joint without making a large incision. Surgeons can even repair some types of joint damage during arthroscopy, with pencil-thin surgical instruments inserted through additional small incisions. Products & Services
Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th EditionMayo Clinic Sports MedicineNewsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter - Digital EditionShow more products from Mayo Clinic Why it s done
Doctors use arthroscopy to help diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions, most commonly those affecting the: Knee Shoulder Elbow Ankle Hip Wrist Diagnostic procedures
Doctors often turn to arthroscopy if X-rays and other imaging studies have left some diagnostic questions unanswered. Surgical procedures
Conditions treated with arthroscopy include: Loose bone fragments Damaged or torn cartilage Inflamed joint linings Torn ligaments Scarring within joints More Information
ArthritisSwollen kneeTorn meniscusWrist painShow more related information Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Risks
Arthroscopy is a very safe procedure and complications are uncommon. Problems may include: Tissue or nerve damage. The placement and movement of the instruments within the joint can damage the joint's structures. Infection. Any type of invasive surgery carries a risk of infection. Blood clots. Rarely, procedures that last longer than an hour can increase the risk of blood clots developing in your legs or lungs. How you prepare
Exact preparations depend on which of your joints the surgeon is examining or repairing. In general, you should: Avoid certain medications. Your doctor may want you to avoid taking medications or dietary supplements that can increase your risk of bleeding. Fast beforehand. Depending on the type of anesthesia you'll have, your doctor may want you to avoid eating solid foods eight hours before your procedure. Arrange for a ride. You won't be allowed to drive yourself home after the procedure, so make sure someone will be available to pick you up. If you live alone, ask someone to check on you that evening or, ideally, stay with you the rest of the day. Choose loose clothing. Wear loose, comfortable clothing - baggy gym shorts, for example, if you're having knee arthroscopy - so you can dress easily after the procedure. What you can expect
Although the experience varies depending on why you're having the procedure and which joint is involved, some aspects of arthroscopy are fairly standard. You'll remove your street clothes and jewelry and put on a hospital gown or shorts. A nurse will place an intravenous catheter in your hand or forearm and inject a mild sedative. During the procedure
The type of anesthesia used varies by procedure. Local anesthesia. Numbing agents are injected below the skin to block sensation in a limited area, such as your knee. You'll be awake during your arthroscopy, but the most you'll feel is pressure or a sensation of movement within the joint. Regional anesthesia. The most common form of regional anesthesia is delivered through a small needle placed between two of your spine's lumbar vertebrae. This numbs the bottom half of your body, but you remain awake. General anesthesia. Depending on the length of the operation, it may be better for you to be unconscious during the procedure. General anesthesia is delivered through a vein (intravenously). You'll be placed in the best position for the procedure you're having. This may be on your back or on your side. The limb being worked on will be placed in a positioning device, and a tourniquet might be used to decrease blood loss and enhance visibility inside the joint. Another technique to improve the view inside your joint involves filling the joint with a sterile fluid. This expands the area around the joint. One small incision is made for the viewing device. Additional small incisions at different points around the joint allow the surgeon to insert surgical tools to grasp, cut, grind and provide suction as needed for joint repair. Incisions will be small enough to be closed with one or two stitches, or with narrow strips of sterile adhesive tape. After the procedure
Arthroscopic surgery usually doesn't take long. For example, arthroscopy of the knee takes about an hour. After that, you'll be taken to a separate room to recover for a few hours before going home. Your aftercare may include: Medications. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation. R.I.C.E. At home, may find it helpful to rest, ice, compress and elevate the joint for several days to reduce swelling and pain. Protection. You might need to use temporary splints - slings or crutches for comfort and protection. Exercises. Your doctor might prescribe physical therapy and rehabilitation to help strengthen your muscles and improve the function of your joint. Call your surgeon if you develop: A fever Pain not helped by medication Drainage from your incision Redness or swelling New numbness or tingling Results
In general, you should be able to resume desk work and light activity in a few days. You'll likely be able to drive again in one to three weeks, and engage in more strenuous activity a few weeks after that. However, not everyone's recovery is the same. Your situation might dictate a longer recovery period and rehabilitation. Your surgeon will review the findings of the arthroscopy with you as soon as possible and may send a written report. Your surgeon will continue to monitor your progress in follow-up visits and address problems. Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. By Mayo Clinic Staff Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Doctors & Departments Aug. 19, 2022 Print Share on: FacebookTwitter Show references AskMayoExpert. Arthroscopic knee surgery. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017. Arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/arthroscopy. Accessed July 9, 2018. Azar FM, et al. Arthroscopy. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 13th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 9, 2018. Knee arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy. Accessed July 9, 2018. Frequently asked questions about surgical site infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hai/ssi/faq_ssi.html. Accessed July 9, 2018. Related
Arthritis Baker cyst Hip dysplasia Hip labral tear Patellofemoral pain syndrome Swollen knee Thumb arthritis Torn meniscus Wrist pain Show more related content Products & Services
Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter - Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic Mayo Clinic in Rochester Minnesota Mayo Clinic in Phoenix Scottsdale Arizona and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville Florida are ranked among the Best Hospitals for orthopedics by U S News & World Report
Learn more about this top honor Arthroscopy
AboutDoctors & Departments Advertisement
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press
Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceNEW – The Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – The Essential Diabetes BookNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressNEW – Mayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20392960 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Arthroscopy