Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is an operation using a special instrument called an arthroscope.  This instrument is placed inside a joint through a small incision.  It consists of a special lens that is connected with a camera. Light is projected in to the joint being operated on using fiber optic fibers to transmit the light.  The first arthroscopy was performed in the 1800’s.  Eventually the first slightly useful arthroscopes were made in Japan in the first half of the last century.  The advent of fiber optics allowed the development of modern arthroscopes.  Arthroscopy is most commonly performed in the knee.  At first it was used as a diagnostic tool before open knee surgery.  Then instruments were developed for operative arthroscopy.  First for removing loose bodies, then removing parts of the meniscus.  Eventually, reconstructive arthroscopic ligament surgery was developed.  Arthroscopy can be used to treat injuries to the articular surface of the knee.

The next major joint for which arthroscopy was developed is the shoulder.  Common arthroscopic operations are for tendonitis, tears of the rotator cuff, for reconstructive arthroscopic repair of ligaments, and tears of cartilage.

Elbow arthroscopy is useful for loose bodies, and articular surface damage. Tennis elbow may be treated with arthroscopy.  Reconstructive surgery for ligament tears is preceded by arthroscopy.

Wrist arthroscopy is used for ligament and cartilage tears.  The ligaments may be reconstructed. The cartilage may be partially removed or repaired.

Hip arthroscopy is useful for tears of the cartilage, and removal of loose bodies or bone spurs.

Ankle arthroscopy is used for the treatment of loose bodies, articular surface damage, and ligament damage and ankle fusion.

Arthroscopy has even been used for fingers and toes.