Arthroscopy 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.

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
• Joint infections
• Torn ligaments 
• Scarring within joints

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 tube 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, on your abdomen 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 make it easier to see inside the joint.

Another technique to improve the view inside your joint is to fill it with a sterile fluid, which helps distend the area and provide more room.

One small incision will admit 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 takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the procedure. 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 will prescribe medication to relieve pain and inflammation.
• R.I.C.E. At home, you'll need 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 temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
• Pain not helped by medication
• Drainage from your incision
• Redness or swelling
• New numbness or tingling

In general, you should be able to resume desk work and light activity in a week, and more strenuous activity in about four weeks. However, 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. You might also receive a written report.

After arthroscopic surgery to treat a joint injury or disease, healing may take several weeks. Your surgeon will monitor your progress in follow-up visits and address problems.