What is an Arthroscope?

An arthroscope is a type of endoscope. It is a thin tube about the size of a pencil housing a camera and light source. Magnified images from inside the joint are transmitted to a monitor viewed by the surgeon.

The arthroscope also contains additional features such as air and water channels for flushing water through or inflating target areas and the arthroscope can be used in conjunction with miniature tools or lasers.

The inside of almost all moveable joints can be examined with an Arthroscope, however it is most commonly used for knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle and wrist.

Arthroscopy began as a simple diagnostic tool for planning open surgery but with the development of better instrumentation and surgerical techniques many conditions can now be treated arthroscopically.