arthroscopy

In medicine, surgical procedure carried out to repair a joint, with the aid of an arthroscope (a 4-mm diameter telescope connected to a tiny camera). The procedure is only minimally invasive as the incision required is less than 1 cm in length.

The joint is inflated with saline solution introduced through the incision. The arthroscope is then inserted and an image is relayed from it to a television monitor. The surgeon is then able to manipulate miniature surgical instruments within the joint.

Approximately 2 million arthroscopies are performed each year in the USA (2004).