Recover Faster with Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive approach that uses a flexible tube with a tiny camera and light to see joints, cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It allows surgeons to diagnose and treat problems through a small, button-sized hole, rather than a large incision. That means you have less pain and scarring and a faster recovery. 

Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in minimally invasive joint-preservation treatments. Our experts are highly skilled in arthroscopic surgery and have done thousands of procedures. You can be confident you’re working with an experienced, trusted team.

What Does Arthroscopy Treat? 

We use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat problems with joints, cartilage (protects the ends of bones), tendons (connect muscles to bones) and ligaments (connect bones) throughout your body. Surgeons use tiny tools and real-time imaging to perform procedures. 

Arthroscopic surgery can treat everything from arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome to removing loose bone fragments and repairing muscles and tendons.  

Why Have Arthroscopic Surgery? 

Your doctor may recommend arthroscopy if nonsurgical treatments like physical therapy, medicines or corticosteroid shots don’t relieve pain and other symptoms. Arthroscopy can offer relief without open surgery, so you can return to activities sooner.  

Most arthroscopic surgeries are outpatient procedures and don’t require an overnight hospital stay. Typically, they take about an hour, but some complex procedures may take longer. After the procedure, you remain in the recovery room for an hour or more before going home. 

Shoulder Arthroscopy Treatments We Offer 

Injuries, overuse or osteoarthritis cause most shoulder problems.  Shoulder arthroscopy can treat a variety of conditions that cause shoulder pain and stiffness, including: 

• Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder)  
• Calcific tendonitis of the shoulder  
• Recurrent shoulder dislocations 
• Rotator cuff tears  
• Shoulder labral tears  

Although shoulder arthroscopy recovery is shorter than an open surgery approach, it may take weeks or months to fully recover. After surgery, you’ll wear a sling for a short period. Your surgeon will review your rehabilitation plan, and you may work with a physical therapist to regain shoulder movement and function and boost healing. 

Hip Arthroscopy Treatments We Offer 

Hip arthroscopy, also called hip scope surgery, can repair damaged areas of the hip that cause pain, including the labrum (cartilage that lines the hip socket) and other hip tissue. Hip arthroscopy can treat conditions such as: 

• Hamstring or buttocks tendon tears 
• Hip dysplasia (abnormally shallow hip socket) 
• Hip impingement 
• Hip joint infection 
• Hip labrum tears (or hip labral tears) 
• Loose bone or cartilage in the joint 
• Pinched sciatic nerve (the major nerve in your leg) 
• Snapping hip syndrome (when a muscle or tendon moves over a bony bump on your hip) 
• Synovitis (swelling of tissues surrounding your hip joint) 

You can expect to use crutches or a walker for a period after surgery. A physical therapist can help you regain strength and hip mobility and will help you get back on your feet safely and as quickly as possible. Your recovery time will depend on your hip damage. 

Knee Arthroscopy Treatments We Offer 

Knee arthroscopy can treat many knee problems — most commonly, knee ligament and cartilage injuries. Surgeons use arthroscopic knee surgery to repair tissues, including procedures like ACL surgery and cartilage restoration, called knee chondroplasty. 

Arthroscopic knee surgery can treat conditions such as:  

• Bursitis (swelling of a small sac that provides joint cushioning) 
• Infections 
• Kneecap problems, such as patellar dislocation 
• Loose bone or cartilage in your knee 
• Medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears 
• Synovitis 
• Torn meniscus  

You will likely need crutches or other assistance to walk after surgery. Your doctor or a physical therapist will give you exercises to do for several weeks after surgery to restore knee movement and strengthen your knee and leg muscles.  

Most people can resume regular physical activities in six to eight weeks, but some procedures — such as cartilage restoration, meniscus repair or ligament reconstruction— may need a longer recovery.