Arthroscopic surgery

Joint pain or limited movement can make everyday tasks feel harder than they should be. Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows orthopedic specialists to diagnose and treat joint problems with precision and less disruption to surrounding tissue. It's commonly used for injuries and conditions affecting the knee, shoulder, hip and other joints, often helping patients return to comfortable movement sooner than with traditional surgery.

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What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, to look inside a joint. During the procedure, your surgeon makes two to four small incisions around the joint. The arthroscope is inserted through one of these incisions, sending detailed images to a video monitor. Specialized instruments are then used through the other incisions to assess and repair certain types of damage.

Most arthroscopic procedures take between 30 minutes and two hours. Many are performed on an outpatient basis, so you can return home the same day. Because local or general anesthesia is used, you'll need to arrange for transportation after your procedure.

Compared to traditional open surgery, arthroscopic surgery is less invasive and typically results in less pain, smaller scars and shorter recovery times. Many patients can begin rehabilitation sooner and return to everyday activities more quickly. While arthroscopy is effective for many conditions, there are situations where open surgery may still be the best option. Your care team will help you understand which approach fits your needs.

Medical illustration of knee joint anatomy used to explain a knee arthroscopy procedure.

A closer look at knee arthroscopy

Understand knee arthroscopy basics, from knee anatomy and common problems to what the procedure can and cannot treat, plus what to expect before and after.

Medical illustration of shoulder joint anatomy used to explain a shoulder arthroscopy procedure.

A closer look at shoulder arthroscopy

Learn the basics of shoulder arthroscopy, including shoulder anatomy, common issues, what the procedure can and can’t treat, and what to expect before and after.

Videos in our patient education library are available to help you gain a general understanding of the condition or procedure. Read disclaimer.

Common reasons for arthroscopic surgery

You may need arthroscopic surgery if you're dealing with joint pain, stiffness or limited movement that hasn't improved with other treatments. Common conditions include:

Knee meniscal tears, one of the most common knee injuries, caused by sports, physical activity or normal wear and tear
Shoulder injuries affecting the bones, joints, muscles or tendons that make up this complex joint
Rotator cuff tendon tears, which can develop from sudden injury or gradual degeneration and cause pain, weakness and difficulty with everyday tasks
Torn ligaments from sports injuries, falls or accidents
Hip impingement, labral tears, bone spurs, inflamed joint lining or loose cartilage fragments

Your orthopedic team will review your symptoms and imaging to determine whether arthroscopic surgery is right for you.

Treatment options (surgical and nonsurgical)

Treatment approaches depend on the joint involved and the extent of the damage. Options may include:

Nonsurgical

Rest, physical therapy and injections may relieve symptoms for some rotator cuff tears and other soft tissue injuries.

Surgical

Arthroscopic repair of torn cartilage, tendons or ligaments, recommended when conservative treatment hasn't relieved pain or restored function
Arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of shoulder damage, including repairing tissue or smoothing rough joint surfaces
Ligament repair or reconstruction using healthy tendon tissue for more significant tears
Hip arthroscopy to address impingement, labral tears, bone spurs or loose cartilage fragments while minimizing impact on surrounding muscles
Open surgery, which may still be recommended for certain complex or severe joint problems

Your care team will help you understand which option best matches your diagnosis and goals.

Recovery and rehabilitation

Recovery after arthroscopic surgery varies depending on the joint treated and the type of repair performed. In general, patients can expect:

A shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery
The ability to begin rehabilitation sooner in many cases
A personalized physical therapy plan to rebuild strength, flexibility and range of motion
A gradual return to daily activities, guided by your care team's recommendations
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and adjust your recovery plan as needed

Your surgeon will let you know what to expect based on your specific procedure and health history.

Risks and considerations

Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered less invasive than open surgery, but as with any procedure, there are risks to understand. These may include infection, blood clots, stiffness or, in some cases, incomplete relief of symptoms. Some joint problems may still require open surgery if arthroscopic treatment isn't a good fit.

Your orthopedic team will review these risks with you in detail and answer any questions before your procedure, so you can feel confident and informed about your treatment plan.

Conditions we treat

Our expert team delivers expert care for a wide range of sports and activity-related injuries and conditions.

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Why treatment is important

Untreated joint pain and injuries can limit your mobility and affect your ability to do the things you enjoy. Addressing joint problems with the right treatment, whether nonsurgical care or arthroscopic surgery, can help improve function and comfort over time. Your orthopedic team is here to guide you toward a plan that supports your recovery and quality of life.