Arthroscopic surgery typically involves a narrow scope called “an arthroscope” and other specialized tools (which are also smaller and thinner) to access the joints through a tiny skin incision. The arthroscope will have a camera to transmit live visuals to the orthopedic surgeon in viewing the surgical area without actually opening and seeing it directly. The smaller incisions and smaller surgical tools, i.e., minimally invasive procedure compared to open surgery, makes arthroscopic surgery less complicated, risky and comes with a shorter recovery time.

Depending on the area that is affected, the type of arthroscopic surgery performed will vary. The six commonly performed arthroscopy surgeries are knee arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, hip arthroscopy, ankle arthroscopy, elbow arthroscopy, and wrist arthroscopy.