Arthroscopy is a surgery done to examine a joint visually. Most of the time, it is done on larger joints, like the knee or shoulder. A special tool called an arthroscope is used. It is an instrument that looks like a long tube with a miniature camera on the end. Repairs or corrections to the joint may be done by using the arthroscope and other tools.

The procedure is most often performed for the following reasons:

  • Diagnose an injury or disease inside a joint
  • Remove bone or cartilage
  • Repair tendons or ligaments
Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.

What to Expect

The doctor will make tiny incisions in the skin along the joint. Special tools will be inserted through the incisions. The tools include the arthroscope. The picture from the arthroscope will show up on a screen so that the doctor can see the inside of your joint. The doctor may use the images to move around other tools that can cut and repair tissue in your joint.

For example:

  • Some meniscal tears in the knee will be repaired by cutting out some of the cartilage.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist may be treated by loosening the ligament that puts pressure on the nerves.

Once the examination or surgery is done, the tools will be removed. The skin may be closed with stitches or clips. The incisions will be covered with a dressing. The fluid or tissue that was removed may be sent to a lab for examination.

When to Call Your Doctor

It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:

  • Signs of infection, including fever and chills
  • Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
  • Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
  • Pain that you cannot control with the medications you've been given
  • Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
  • Swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that is not relieved by elevating your knee above heart level for one hour
  • Drainage

If you think you have an emergency, call 911 right away.

Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.