Arthroscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery using small cameras and instruments to diagnose and treat problems inside the hip and knee joints.
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows orthopedic surgeons to see inside a joint without making large incisions. The procedure uses an arthroscope—a small camera attached to a fiber-optic light—which is inserted through tiny incisions.
The camera displays images on a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to examine the joint and perform repairs using specialized instruments inserted through additional small incisions. This approach causes less damage to surrounding tissues compared to open surgery.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
- Smaller incisions (typically 1/4 inch)
- Less tissue damage and scarring
- Reduced pain after surgery
- Lower risk of complications
- Faster recovery and rehabilitation
- Often performed as outpatient surgery
- Direct visualization of the joint
Diagnostic & Therapeutic
Arthroscopy serves two purposes: diagnosis and treatment. It can help identify problems that may not be visible on MRI or X-rays, and many conditions can be treated during the same procedure. This means you may not need a separate surgery after diagnosis.
Conditions We Treat
Knee Arthroscopy
- Meniscal tears - repair or trimming damaged cartilage
- ACL reconstruction - rebuilding torn ligament
- Loose body removal - extracting free-floating fragments
- Cartilage damage - smoothing or repair procedures
- Synovitis - removing inflamed tissue
- Diagnostic arthroscopy - evaluating unexplained knee pain
Hip Arthroscopy
- Labral tears - repair of damaged cartilage rim
- FAI (femoroacetabular impingement) - reshaping bone
- Loose body removal - extracting fragments
- Synovitis - removing inflamed tissue
- Cartilage procedures - treating damage
What to Expect
Before Surgery
- Pre-operative evaluation and imaging
- Anesthesia discussion (general or regional)
- Fasting instructions
- Arrange for ride home
During Surgery
- Small incisions made (portals)
- Joint filled with sterile fluid
- Camera inserted to view joint
- Repairs performed as needed
After Surgery
- Recovery room observation
- Home the same day (usually)
- Ice, elevation, and rest
- Physical therapy begins soon
Recovery
Recovery time depends on what procedure is performed. Simple procedures like removing loose bodies may allow return to normal activities within days. More complex repairs like ACL reconstruction require weeks to months of rehabilitation.
Dr. Hunter will provide specific recovery guidelines based on your procedure. Physical therapy is typically an important part of recovery, helping restore strength, flexibility, and function to the joint.
Related Conditions
Minimally invasive solutions for joint problems
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Hunter to discuss whether arthroscopic surgery could be right for your hip or knee condition.