Arthroscopy Procedures

What to Expect: Arthroscopic Surgery

While each specific arthroscopic procedure varies, here is a general guide to what you can expect during an arthroscopic surgery. We will:

1. Administer a general, local or spinal anesthetic.
2. Make a small incision in your skin.
3. Insert the arthroscope through the incision. The fiber optics at the end of the arthroscopic light up the surgical area.
4. Make other incisions to introduce other small surgical tools.
5. Examine the nearby screen, which displays detailed information and images of the interior of the joint.
6. Perform corrective surgery (if necessary_­ during the initial diagnostic procedure.
7. Dress or bandage the postoperative area.

Recovering from Arthroscopic Surgery

The small puncture wounds created by the arthroscope and probing tool(s) may take several days to heal.

Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery and on your general health. However, we perform most arthroscopic on an outpatient basis, so you can go home within hours after the surgery.

Some patients resume daily activities and return to work or school within a few days. Athletes and other patients in good physical condition may return to athletic activities within a few weeks, under the care of their physician.