arthroscopy or arthroscopic
what does this mean?
This is surgery performed using the "keyhole" or "minimally invasive" technique. Orthopaedic surgeons use the technique to examine closely and repair defects in almost any of the larger joints of the body.
The surgeon makes 2 or 3 "portals" (small holes around 0.5cm) and introduces a small scope with an attached camera and fibre optic light source through one portal and specially designed instruments through the other portal(s). The surgeon operates with reference to the images filmed by the camera which are relayed to an adjacent screen.
If you wish to find out more about your condition, make sure you refer to respected/good quality sources for information. Some of these sites are sponsored by commercial orthopaedic companies but I do not benefit financially by choosing one company's products over another nor am I endorsing one company’s products over another. The AAOS site is the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ own site.
The following websites are helpful :
Most of these sites are American sites so will be referring to American patients and American surgeons but I hope they are interesting and helpful.