Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is minimally invasive (keyhole) joint surgery in which a surgeon inserts a pencil-thin camera and fine instruments through small incisions to see inside a joint and repair it. It is used most often in the knee and shoulder — and also the hip, ankle, wrist and elbow — to treat torn cartilage and ligaments, damaged tissue and other problems, with smaller scars and a quicker recovery than open surgery.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
In arthroscopy, the surgeon makes a few small incisions and inserts an arthroscope — a thin tube with a camera and light — to view the inside of the joint on a screen in high definition. Fine instruments passed through the other incisions are used to trim or repair tissue. Because it avoids opening the joint fully, arthroscopy generally means less tissue damage, smaller scars, less pain and a faster recovery than equivalent open surgery.
It is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Common procedures include repairing or trimming torn knee cartilage (meniscus), reconstructing a torn knee ligament such as the ACL, repairing the rotator cuff or treating impingement and instability in the shoulder, and addressing labral or impingement problems in the hip. Not every joint problem is suited to keyhole surgery, and the surgeon advises when an open or different approach is better.
Orthopedic surgeons work with physiotherapists, because rehabilitation is essential to a good result after many arthroscopic repairs. International patients receive a coordinator, a clear plan and a transparent cost estimate before travel, including expected recovery and rehabilitation, and imaging can be reviewed remotely first.
Who is a candidate?
- People with torn knee cartilage (meniscus) causing pain, catching or locking
- Patients with a torn knee ligament such as the ACL needing reconstruction
- Those with a rotator-cuff tear, shoulder impingement or instability
- People with hip labral tears or impingement, or certain ankle, wrist or elbow problems
- Patients whose joint symptoms persist despite rest, physiotherapy and other non-surgical care
What happens
- 1
Assessment
A clinical examination and imaging such as MRI define the problem and confirm whether arthroscopy is the right approach for your joint.
- 2
Preparation
Your team plans the anesthesia — general, spinal or regional — and explains the procedure and the rehabilitation that follows.
- 3
The procedure
Through a few small incisions, the surgeon inserts the camera and instruments, views the joint on a screen, and trims or repairs the damaged tissue with precision.
- 4
Early recovery
Many patients go home the same day or after one night. The joint is protected as advised, sometimes with a brace, crutches or a sling depending on the procedure.
- 5
Rehabilitation
Physiotherapy restores movement and strength and is essential after repairs such as ligament reconstruction. International patients receive a home exercise plan and a follow-up schedule.
Benefits
- Minimally invasive — smaller incisions, less tissue damage and smaller scars
- Often less pain and a faster recovery than equivalent open surgery
- Both diagnoses and treats problems inside the joint in one procedure
- Frequently performed as a day case or with a single overnight stay
- High-definition view lets the surgeon repair tissue with precision
Risks & considerations
- Infection, bleeding and reaction to anesthesia, as with any surgery
- Swelling, stiffness or, uncommonly, a blood clot in the leg after knee procedures
- Incomplete relief of symptoms in some patients
- After ligament or other repairs, a longer rehabilitation before full activity
- Occasionally, the need for further or open surgery if the damage is extensive
Conditions this treats
Where it is performed
This procedure is delivered by our Spine Center & Orthopedics.
Learn more before you decide
Provider-reviewed guides on the related conditions, symptoms and tests in our Health Library.
Arthroscopy — frequently asked questions
Most often the knee and shoulder, and also the hip, ankle, wrist and elbow. It treats torn cartilage and ligaments, rotator-cuff and impingement problems, and other damage inside the joint.
Often, yes. Many arthroscopic procedures are done as a day case or with a single overnight stay, because the keyhole approach means less tissue disruption. Your surgeon confirms the plan for your specific procedure.
Simple procedures may allow a return to light activity within days to a couple of weeks, while ligament or rotator-cuff repairs need a longer, structured rehabilitation. Your team gives you a personalized recovery and physiotherapy plan.
Yes. Send your imaging and reports and our specialists advise whether arthroscopy is appropriate and what the procedure would involve, before you commit to travel.
Many arthroscopies are day-case or one night, plus follow-up and the start of rehabilitation before flying — your coordinator confirms how long to plan for. We provide a transparent, itemized estimate after reviewing your case rather than a fixed online price.
Related treatments
Considering arthroscopy?
Share your reports for a medical second opinion and a transparent, itemized cost estimate — usually within 48 hours.