Did you know that the inside of joints can be looked at without being cut open? This is due to a procedure called arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopies are usually performed by orthopedic surgeons, or bone specialists.

An arthroscope is a tool that allows the doctor to make a small cut around your joint, and insert a narrow, lighted tube. Once inserted, the surgeon can look through it and see inside your joint with a strong light. In this way, the surgeon can see if there are any problems and repair them. Arthroscopic surgery was initially used on knees, but now is used to evaluate and treat other joints.

Indications for arthroscopic surgery include either a need to see if something is wrong, or a need to fix a tear in part of your knee or other joint. The following are the most common reasons why patients have knee arthroscopies:
* a suspected tear in cartilage or a ligament in the knee joint,
* a known tear in the cartilage or ligament which can be repaired using this procedure,
* severe knee pain not responding to other treatment, or
* a need to evaluate if there are any small pieces of bone or debris in the knee due to repetitive use.

Arthroscopic surgery is considered a minor surgery, and can be done as an outpatient. If the surgeon only looked inside the joint, most people have a rapid recovery. If there was a tear that needed to be repaired, the initial recovery is still faster than that required for open surgery where an incision is made. However, you will need ongoing physical therapy, sometimes up to a few months, to get your knee strong again.

Occasionally, after arthroscopic surgery, patients can get infections in the joint. Any of the following symptoms can be a sign of infection:
* heat,
* warmth,
* redness, or
* fever or chills.

If you develop any of these problems, see your health care provider right away. Remember, most people do very well after arthroscopic surgery, and have a rapid recovery.

Choose a Health Topic Category Aging Alcohol Problems Allergies Arthritis Back & Neck Problems Blood & Circulatory Problems Bones, Joints & Muscles Brain & Nervous System Cancer Cardiovascular Health Child Health & Development Common Illnesses Cosmetic & Reconstructive Surg Dental Health Diabetes Digestive System Drug Abuse Ear, Nose & Throat Eating Disorders Exercise & Fitness Eyes & Vision Family Planning Foot Care General Health Genetic Disorders & Birth Defects Headaches Health Quizzes Hearing HIV Infections / AIDS Hormonal Disorders Infectious Diseases Medications Men's Health Mental & Emotional Health Nervous System Newborn Care Nutrition Parenting & Family Life Personal Safety Pregnancy & Childbirth Preparing for Emergencies Respiratory Problems Sexually Transmitted Diseases Skin Health Smoking Sports Medicine Stress & How to cope Surgery Symptoms Teenage Concerns Test & Examinations Urinary and Genital Systems Weight Control Women's Health   Go