Arthroscopic Surgery

The benefits of arthroscopic surgery over traditional open surgery are numerous. Small incisions produce little scarring and heal quickly, allowing patients to return to normal activity in less time than with open surgery. There is also a reduced risk of infection and swelling associated with small incisions. Diagnosis and surgery can both be performed in one procedure. Skeletal joints, such as the knee, hip, or shoulder, are more easily examined with an arthroscope. There is less pain associated with arthroscopic surgery, and the procedure is usually more successful than open joint surgery. The small instruments used cause less damage to surrounding tissues than larger surgical devices. A typical arthroscopic procedure takes less than one hour, and the patient can return home the same day. A surgeon may perform an arthroscopic procedure in an office, a hospital, or an outpatient surgery center.