Arthroscopy

Overview

Arthroscopy (say: ar-THROSS-kuh-pee) is a surgical procedure that lets doctors look inside a joint, such as the knee, shoulder, or ankle. The surgeon makes one or more small cuts and inserts a tiny camera. This lets the doctor see the problem and often fix it at the same time.

Arthroscopy is a very common procedure. Millions are done worldwide each year.

It may be recommended for anyone with ongoing joint pain or injury, including young athletes, older adults with joint wear and tear, and people whose jobs or hobbies put stress on their joints.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain that does not go away after several weeks of rest
• Swelling that lasts or keeps coming back
• A feeling that the joint catches, locks, or gives way
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the joint normally

Symptoms in children

• Complaints of pain during play
• Limping or favouring one limb
• Saying the joint 'feels weird' or 'clicky'

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain with activity, especially when climbing stairs or lifting objects
• Morning stiffness that eases with movement
• Aching that gets worse with use and is better with rest

Causes

Main causes

• A torn meniscus or cartilage in the knee
• A torn rotator cuff in the shoulder
• Ligament injuries, such as an ACL tear
• Loose pieces of bone or cartilage inside the joint
• Osteoarthritis causing joint wear and tear
• Chronic inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis)

Risk factors

• Playing high-impact or contact sports
• Having had a previous joint injury
• Being aged 45 or older
• Carrying extra weight
• Doing jobs or hobbies that involve repetitive joint movement

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Seek urgent care if you have sudden, severe joint pain or swelling after an injury, especially if you can't bend the joint or put any weight on it.

Book a routine appointment if:

• See your family doctor for a check-up if joint pain or swelling lasts more than a week, or if your joint keeps catching, locking, or giving way.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine the joint and how well it moves, and may order imaging tests. If those tests do not give a clear answer, an arthroscopy may be done to look inside and confirm the problem.

Tests that may be done

• Physical examination
• X-rays
• MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Ultrasound (sonogram)
• Sometimes a sample of joint fluid, or arthroscopy itself

What to expect at your appointment

At your appointment, the doctor will listen to your history and check your joint for swelling, warmth, range of movement, and strength. They will explain any tests you need. You may be referred to an orthopedic specialist if surgery is being considered.

Treatment

Treatment for joint problems usually starts with simple, non-surgical steps. Your doctor may recommend rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relief. If these do not help, or if there is a specific injury that needs repair, arthroscopy may be suggested.

Self-care at home

• Rest the joint and avoid activities that cause pain.
• Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Elevate the limb when possible.
• Use a compression bandage if advised by your doctor or pharmacist.
• Ask a pharmacist about suitable pain relief.

Medical treatments

Medical treatments depend on the cause. They include physical therapy, corticosteroid injections to calm inflammation, and other non-surgical options. Your healthcare provider will tailor the treatment to your specific problem. Surgery such as arthroscopy may be recommended if symptoms are severe or do not respond to conservative care.

When is surgery considered?

If you need arthroscopy, the surgeon makes two or three small incisions around the joint. A small camera is inserted to see inside, and the surgeon can repair or remove damaged tissue using tiny instruments. Most people have it as a day case, meaning you go home the same day. You'll need to rest for a few days and may use crutches for a short while. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to work and exercise.

Living with this condition

After arthroscopy, keep the dressing dry for the first day or so. Use ice, keep the limb raised when resting, and take any pain relief as directed. Follow your surgical team's advice about moving the joint. Some swelling is normal. You may need to sleep with extra pillows to keep the joint comfortable.

Lifestyle tips

• Go to all your physical therapy appointments and do the exercises you're given.
• Slowly return to normal activities as your surgeon advises.
• Avoid heavy lifting or high-impact exercise until cleared.
• Keep a healthy weight to reduce stress on your joints.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, protein, and whole grains. This can help your body heal. As your joint recovers, do the gentle exercises recommended by your therapist. These often include range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Always check with your care team before trying new exercises.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovering from a joint problem or surgery can be frustrating and may affect your mood. It's common to feel low, anxious, or worried about getting back to normal. If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally, talk to a healthcare professional. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call your local emergency number or a crisis line immediately.

Prevention

Not all joint problems can be prevented, but you can lower your risk. Stay active with low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling, warm up before sports, strengthen the muscles around your joints, and use proper techniques. Maintaining a healthy weight and using safe lifting methods also help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Ongoing pain and increasing joint damage
• Joint instability, making it more likely to twist or give way
• Loss of movement and muscle weakness around the joint
• Higher risk of developing osteoarthritis later

Long-term outlook

The outlook after arthroscopy is generally very positive. Most people improve and can return to daily activities within a few weeks, and to sports or heavy work in a few months. Your recovery depends on the specific problem and your health, but with the right care and rehabilitation, many people have long-lasting relief.

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