Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure which involves the use of an arthroscope (a special instrument) to diagnose, examine and treat joint conditions which affects knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist. The surgery involves an insertion of a narrow tube attached to a fibre-optic video camera through a small incision to get clear view of the affected joint on a high-definition video monitor. 

Benefits offered by  Arthroplasty:

• The sportsperson can return to his/her sports in most injuries.
• Surgery helps in protecting the affected area from any damage to the cartilage in future.
• Surgery offers high potential for normal functioning of the joints.
   

Arthroscopy is an advanced form of surgical treatment, which was proposed to evade the need of traditional surgery. The surgery is performed under the following indications:

Various types of Intra-articular joint disorders

• Ligament tears caused by an injury 
• Persistent pain and swelling in the joint
• Cartilage Tears
• Tendon ruptures
• Recurrent Joint dislocations
• Some joint fractures
   

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery as it does not involve large incisions unlike traditional surgery where the incision is large and so is the risk to patient. A patient needs to keep a few things in mind before undergoing Arthroscopy, which includes:

• Inform your doctor about your medical history if you are on any current medication
• Listen to your doctor’s advice about the surgery procedure very carefully
• Get the required tests done for the surgery
• The doctor will examine the affected area and prepare the treatment plan according to your current condition

Before The Surgery: 

• In some injuries, a period at rehabilitation centre before surgery is recommended
• Take the medicines prescribed by your doctor on time
• Abstain from smoking and drinking
• You might require a pair of crutches or walking aids after the surgery
• Eat a very light meal a day before the surgery to avoid nausea and vomiting
• Prepare yourself both mentally and physically for the surgery

After The Surgery:

• Avoid lifting heavy objects or indulging yourself in any kind of rigorous physical activities
• Do not put unnecessary strain on the area, which has undergone surgery
• Consult a physiotherapist in concurrence with the operating orthopaedic surgeon
• Keep your wound covered and sterilised
   

• Shorter recovery period
• Less scaring
• Less bleeding
• An extremely high success rate 
• Low complication rate

Since the surgery is minimally invasive, it comes with a very low complication rate, which is much lower than traditional open surgery. But, some rare complications include the following

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring & Stiffness
• Nerve Damage
• Clotting in the legs or lungs