Procedure: 

Usually an Out-Patient procedure with no requirement of hospitalization. An I.V. catheter may be placed in the patient's hand or forearm. 

Anaesthesia is administered. The type of anaesthesia used varies depending on where and for what procedure is being used. 

1. Local Anaesthesia: The drug is injected below the skin to block sensation in a limited area (e.g. knee). The patient is awake and may feel some pressure or sensation of movement within the joint but no pain.
2. Regional Anaesthesia: The drug is injected using a small needle placed between 2 of the spine's lumbar vertebrae. This numbs the bottom half of the body. The patient is conscious but nothing is felt below the waist
3. General Anaesthesia: The drug is injected intravenously. The patient is unconscious (asleep) and does not feel anything

A small incision (one which can be closed with 1 or 2 stitches or sterile adhesive tape) is made in the skin after appropriately positioning the area to be examined (Positioning may involve fixing the area with a tourniquet and managing the blood flow to the area using pressure cuffs. Sometimes a sterile liquid may also be injected into the area to improve visibility).  

An arthroscope, a small, thin pencil-sized instrument attached with a camera and light source, is inserted which help magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. The surgeon views the inside of the joint with the arthroscope on a video monitor.

The extent or type of injury is then determined. If possible, the problem is corrected by making additional small incisions around the joint to insert surgical tools to grasp, cut, grind and provide suction as needed for repairing the joint. The incision is closed (either with sutures or sterile adhesive tape), and the patient is moved to a recovery room to monitor vitals & post-operative recovery.

Post-Procedure

Most patients need very little to no pain medications post the arthroscopy.

The surgeon may prescribe R.I.C.E. 

R=Rest

I=Ice

C=Compression

E=Elevation

Use of temporary splints, slings, or crutches may also be recommended for comfort and protection. Physical therapy/rehabilitation and exercises may be recommended to regain muscle strength and improve the joint function

Recovery Post Arthroscopy

Usually, your operating surgeon will remove the dressing the next day of surgery. For most patients, daily activities may be resumed within a few days of arthroscopy. The puncture wounds (small incisions) and complete joint recovery take several weeks to heal, although arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. Physical therapy/rehabilitation and specific exercises may help speed up the recovery and protect future joint function

Risks Involved in Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a relatively safe procedure with few complications. Rare complications include:

Tissue or nerve damage, blood clots, and infections.

When to seek Medical help post-procedure

Consult your treating surgeon immediately if any of the following develops post-procedure:

• A fever
• Pain not relieved through medication
• Incision drainage
• Inflammation or redness near the surgical site
• New numbness or tingling sensation

What questions should you ask your surgeon before the procedure?

1. How long is the procedure expected to last? (This varies based on the kind of arthroscopy being done. Usually ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours)
2. What kind of anaesthesia will be administered?
3. After how long does the surgeon expect a full recovery post-procedure for your condition?
4. When will you likely be able to resume your daily activity?
5. The estimated cost of the procedure?

Risks Involved in Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a relatively safe procedure with few complications. Rare complications include tissue or nerve damage, blood clots, and infections.

When to seek Medical help post-procedure

Consult your treating surgeon immediately if any of the following develops post-procedure:

• A fever
• Pain not relieved through medication
• Incision drainage
• Inflammation or redness near the surgical site
• New numbness or tingling sensation

What questions should you ask your surgeon before the procedure?

1. How long is the procedure expected to last? (This varies based on the kind of arthroscopy being done. Usually ranges from 30 minutes to 2 hours)
2. What kind of anaesthesia will be administered?
3. After how long does the surgeon expect a full recovery post-procedure for your condition?
4. When will you likely be able to resume your daily activity?
5. The estimated cost of the procedure?