What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method used to diagnose and treat problems inside joints. Patients seeking information about joint health and surgery frequently ask, "What is arthroscopy?" Simply put, arthroscopic surgery involves inserting a small camera and surgical instruments into a joint. These procedures are also known as arthroscopic surgery and are widely performed today on the knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle joints.

While preserving joint function, arthroscopy offers advantages over conventional open surgery, including less pain, faster recovery, and minimal scarring. Arthroscopic surgery is preferred for conditions such as meniscus tears, rotator cuff problems, tendon injuries, and articular cartilage damage.

The word "arthroscopy" has Greek origins: "arthro" means joint, and "skopein" means to look or examine. In other words, arthroscopy is a surgical technique used to visualize and treat a joint. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on different joints, including the knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle, offering various advantages for each.

What Is Arthroscopy and What Is It Used For?

Arthroscopy is performed to diagnose and treat conditions affecting structures inside a joint, such as the meniscus, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Arthroscopic surgery allows damaged tissues to be repaired or removed.

• Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common procedures for meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) problems, and cartilage conditions.

• Shoulder arthroscopy is preferred for rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocations, and labral problems.

• Wrist arthroscopy is used for tendon or cartilage injuries.

• Ankle arthroscopy is used in patients with trauma-related cartilage damage or joint stiffness.

Arthroscopic surgery can be performed using a minimally invasive approach in different joints and offers advantages such as faster recovery, less pain, and shorter hospital stays.

Who Is a Suitable Candidate for Arthroscopic Surgery?

• Individuals with meniscus tears or cartilage damage

• Patients with rotator cuff or tendon problems

• Individuals experiencing joint dislocation or stiffness

• Athletes with joint problems following trauma

With appropriate patient selection, arthroscopic surgery can offer a safe and effective treatment option. Knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle arthroscopy procedures are individually planned and performed according to each patient's needs.

In Which Conditions Is Arthroscopic Surgery Performed?

Arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat various joint conditions. The most common include:

• Knee arthroscopy: Meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament injuries, and cartilage problems.

• Shoulder arthroscopy: Rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, and shoulder dislocation.

• Ankle arthroscopy: Ligament tears, cartilage damage, and arthritis.

• Wrist arthroscopy: Carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, and ligament and cartilage injuries.

• Hip arthroscopy: Joint impingement, cartilage damage, and other conditions that cause hip pain.

How Is Arthroscopic Surgery Performed?

Arthroscopic surgery can be performed under general, spinal, or local anesthesia. During the procedure:

1. Small incisions are made around the joint.

2. An arthroscope camera is inserted through these incisions.

3. Images from inside the joint are displayed on a screen.

4. When necessary, repair procedures are performed using small surgical instruments.

5. Once the procedure is complete, the arthroscope is removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches.

The duration of arthroscopic surgery may range from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the procedure performed.

The Arthroscopic Surgery Process and the Joints Where It Is Performed

Arthroscopic surgery is a modern, minimally invasive surgical method used to diagnose and treat problems inside joints. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on the knee, shoulder, wrist, and ankle, with specific techniques used for each joint.

The Arthroscopic Surgery Process

The arthroscopic surgery process generally involves the following steps:

1. Anesthesia and Preparation

• Arthroscopic surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia.

• Necessary tests and preoperative preparations are completed.

• During this stage, arthroscopic equipment is sterilized, and the patient's joint range of motion is assessed.

2. Making Small Incisions

• Several small incisions, approximately 0.5–1 cm in size, are made around the joint being treated.

• An arthroscopic camera is inserted into the joint through one of the incisions.

• The other incisions serve as entry points for surgical instruments.

3. Arthroscopic Imaging

• This is where the answer to the question "What is arthroscopy?" becomes clear: the camera provides detailed images of the structures inside the joint.

• The meniscus, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons are examined in detail.

4. Repairing or Removing Damaged Tissues

Arthroscopic surgery is performed to repair meniscus tears, rotator cuff problems, tendon injuries, or cartilage damage.

For example:

• Knee arthroscopy: Meniscus repair or cartilage treatment

• Shoulder arthroscopy: Rotator cuff tear and labral repair

• Wrist arthroscopy: Tendon injuries

• Ankle arthroscopy: Joint stiffness and cartilage damage

5. Closing the Incisions and Bandaging

• Small incisions are closed with stitches or adhesive strips.

• The joint is bandaged, and patients are generally discharged on the same day or the following day.

Which Joints Can Be Treated with Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy can be performed on different joints and offers various advantages for each:

Knee Arthroscopy

• It is performed for meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) problems, and cartilage damage.

• It is commonly preferred for athletes and physically active individuals.

• Knee arthroscopy surgery offers the potential for faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay.

Shoulder Arthroscopy

• It is performed for rotator cuff tears, labral problems, and shoulder dislocations.

• The minimally invasive approach helps preserve shoulder movement.

Wrist Arthroscopy

• It is used to treat tendon and cartilage injuries, chronic pain, and joint stiffness.

• Small incisions and minimal tissue damage can contribute to a more comfortable recovery process.

Ankle Arthroscopy

• It is preferred for cartilage damage following trauma, joint stiffness, and chronic pain.

• The minimally invasive technique helps preserve ankle function and may accelerate recovery.

What Are the Advantages of Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic surgery offers several advantages over conventional open surgery. The main benefits include:

1. Small Incisions and Less Scarring

• Arthroscopic surgery is performed through just a few small incisions in the joint area.

• Scars following knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, wrist arthroscopy, and ankle arthroscopy are generally small.

2. Less Pain and Bruising

• Since large incisions are not required, patients may experience less pain after surgery.

• Arthroscopic surgery generally results in less bruising and swelling.

3. Faster Recovery and Shorter Hospital Stay

• Arthroscopic surgery is generally completed as an outpatient procedure or with an overnight hospital stay.

• Patients may return to their daily activities in a shorter period.

4. Preservation of Joint Function

• Arthroscopic knee surgery, shoulder arthroscopy, and arthroscopic procedures on other joints help preserve joint movement.

• The risk of joint stiffness and loss of function may be reduced.

5. Applicable to Various Joint Problems

• Knee arthroscopy: Meniscus, cartilage, and anterior cruciate ligament problems

• Shoulder arthroscopy: Rotator cuff tears and labral problems

• Wrist arthroscopy: Tendon injuries and cartilage problems

• Ankle arthroscopy: Trauma-related cartilage damage and joint stiffness

Recovery After Arthroscopic Surgery

The recovery period following arthroscopic surgery varies depending on the patient's age, the joint involved, and the extent of the procedure. When arthroscopic surgery is performed on the knee, shoulder, wrist, or ankle, it may offer patients a relatively fast recovery process.

The First Few Days After Arthroscopy

1. Hospital Discharge and Home Care:

• Arthroscopic surgery is generally completed with discharge on the same day or after an overnight hospital stay.

• Thanks to the small incisions, patients can usually begin moving around within a short period.

• At home, the incision area should be kept clean, and bandages should be changed regularly.

2. Pain and Swelling Management:

• Mild pain and swelling are normal.

• Pain can be managed with painkillers and ice applications as recommended by the physician.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Physical therapy following arthroscopic surgery is essential for preserving joint function and regaining muscle strength.

• After knee arthroscopy: Exercises are performed to strengthen the quadriceps and hamstring muscles.

• After shoulder arthroscopy: Exercises are used to improve rotator cuff function and shoulder range of motion.

• After wrist arthroscopy: Specific exercises are recommended to improve finger and wrist movement.

• After ankle arthroscopy: Recovery is supported through joint mobilization and balance exercises.

Returning to Daily Life and Physical Activities

• Light activities can generally be resumed 1–2 weeks after surgery.

• Intense sports or activities involving heavy physical loads are recommended 6–8 weeks after arthroscopic surgery, subject to the physician's approval.

• Following knee arthroscopy and shoulder arthroscopy, patients can generally return to their daily activities within 2–3 weeks.