Categories: Hand Conditions
Arthroscopy (ar-THROS-ka-pea) is an outpatient surgical procedure used by orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. The surgeon makes small incisions, less than half an inch long, and inserts a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope. The arthroscope contains a small lens, a miniature camera and a lighting system. This projects three-dimensional images of the joint on a television monitor, enabling the surgeon to look directly inside the joint and identify the trouble. Tiny probes, forceps, knives and shavers can then be used to correct many problems at the same time.
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