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Did you know that the inside of joints can be looked at without the joint being cut open? This is done with 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 near your joint, and insert a narrow, lighted tube. Once inserted, the surgeon can look through it to see inside your joint. If a problem is found, the surgeon can also repair it. Arthroscopic surgery was initially used on knees, but now it is also used on other joints.

Arthroscopic surgery is performed either to see if something is wrong, or to fix a tear in part of your knee or other joint. The most common reasons why patients have knee arthroscopies are:
* 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 identify small pieces of bone or debris in the knee caused by repetitive use

Arthroscopic surgery is considered a minor surgery, and can be done as an outpatient. The recovery time depends on the procedure done. The recovery is faster than it would have been for open surgery, where an incision is made. If a tear was repaired, 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:
* warmth or redness at the surgery site or
* fever or chills

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

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