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Procedures

What is arthroscopy?

Medcasts editorial team

Arthroscopy is minimally invasive joint surgery using a small camera and instruments through tiny incisions. Common applications: knee meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, shoulder rotator cuff repair, hip impingement surgery (FAI), ankle and elbow procedures.

Recovery is typically faster than open surgery: most patients home day-of or 1-day stay; back to desk work in 1–2 weeks; full recovery 6–16 weeks depending on procedure.

Not every arthroscopic procedure is necessary. Recent evidence (especially for partial meniscectomy in degenerative tears) suggests many can be managed conservatively. Get a second opinion before accepting arthroscopy for chronic, non-traumatic knee pain in older patients.

This answer is general information, not medical advice. Your own doctor should confirm what applies to your case.

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