Arthroscopy, or the arthroscope, has given the physician a new tool for both diagnosis and treatment. Arthroscopy has been around in a rudimentary fashion since the mid-to-latter 1960’s. It is currently used in the diagnosis of joint conditions. The arthroscope allows the orthopedic surgeon to directly view the articulating surfaces of joints, including the knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow, and recently even the hip joint. In addition to directly viewing a joint, therapeutic measures can be attained. These include removal of loose bodies, trimming of cartilage, etc.

Knee
The arthroscope is used in the diagnosis of several ailments of the knee. These include meniscal tears, ligament tears, damage to the articular cartilage, identification of loose bodies, as well as sorting out problems when all other diagnostic tests, such as the MRI, have failed to provide an adequate explanation for ongoing pain, instability, or swelling. Arthroscopy of the knee is accomplished with two or three puncture holes into the knee. These allow the introduction of fluid and operative instruments as well as the arthroscope.

Ankle
Common conditions affecting the ankle, such as loose bodies or other cartilage injuries can be managed via arthroscopy.

Shoulder
Introduction of the arthroscope into the shoulder allows for the diagnosis of chronic shoulder pain as well as shoulder instability. The shoulder is made up of several articulating surfaces, including the glenohumeral articulation, the acromial articulation, and the rather complex relationship between these structures and the rotator cuff and glenoid labrum. The arthroscope is commonly used for the removal of loose bodies, debridement of a joint or smoothing of the surfaces of the joint as well as an adjuvant prior to open surgical procedures.

Elbow
The elbow is a very small joint. The arthroscope allows definitive diagnosis of cartilage damage to the joint surfaces, loose bodies, or conditions that result in increased synovial (joint fluid) or inflammatory responses about the elbow.

Hip
The use of the arthroscope in the hip joint is a relatively new procedure. The diagnosis of painful conditions is further aided by direct visualization. This is a new and exciting field.