Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure orthopaedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. To look inside your joint, your surgeon will use an arthroscope, a slender instrument that contains a lens and a light source. The arthroscope and other special tools are inserted into the joint through tiny incisions. Using a camera, the arthroscope sends an image of your joint to a TV screen that lets your surgeon see your joint more clearly.

Arthroscopy is performed because:

• The surgeon can often find and treat the problem during one procedure.
• The surgeon can often see the joint better than with open surgery.
•  It creates smaller incisions than open surgery, possibly resulting in faster recovery and less scarring.

Preparing for arthroscopic surgery

• Have any tests that your surgeon orders.
• Don’t eat or drink anything for 8 hours before surgery. This includes coffee, water and gum.
• Stop taking anti-inflammatory medicine, such as aspirin, 7–10 days before surgery.
• Ask in advance if you can take any daily medication the day of surgery.
• If you smoke, now is a good time to stop. This will reduce the risk of surgical complications.
• Arrange for a friend or family member to give you a ride home after surgery.