What is Arthroscopy?

The origin of the word arthroscopy comes from the Greek word ¨arthros¨ which means joint and ¨scopein¨ to look. Today, arthroscopy is a refined surgical technique that allows direct visualization of the inside of a joint using a small camera connected to a monitor. Its first function is diagnostic, because it allows the inside of a joint (knee, shoulder, hip, etc.) to be examined directly. It is considered the gold standard test with the greatest diagnostic value compared to any complementary test such as an MRI. In some limited patients, an exploratory arthroscopy may be performed when there is no clear diagnosis for a problem. The second and most important function of arthroscopy is to repair the injured tissues of the joint according to the presenting pathology (meniscal, cartilage, ligaments, etc.). 

Its benefits are that it is a less invasive test than open surgery and with a lower complication rate. Depending on the joint to be studied cameras of different diameters and lengths are used. The camera is connected to a light source and a monitor similar to a television and the whole team views the procedure and joint from the inside. The camera is introduced through a small incision (called a portal) in a precise anatomical place using a special cannula. Through the same cannula, a saline solution is introduced under pressure to expand the joint. This allows visualization within the joint and minimizes bleeding through the arthroscopy cannulas.

The procedure has evolved to adapt to specific joints over time to treat the large variety of pathologies. Although shoulder and knee arthroscopy are well known, in the last 15 years there has been a tremendous improvement in the treatment of hip, ankle, wrist, forefoot pathologies, etc. Specific tools and surgical techniques have been developed to treat a variety of pathologies in each field.