Arthroscopy: A Minimally Invasive Solution for Joint Pain

Athroscopy

If you’re dealing with joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that won’t go away, you may have heard your doctor mention arthroscopy as a potential option. But what exactly is arthroscopy—and how can it help?

At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, we perform arthroscopic procedures to diagnose and treat a wide range of joint conditions using small incisions and advanced technology. This minimally invasive approach often leads to faster recovery, less pain, and improved mobility.

What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to view, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint using a tiny camera called an arthroscope. This tool is inserted through a small incision, and it projects real-time images of the joint onto a monitor, guiding the surgeon’s movements.

Arthroscopy is commonly used for:

Knee arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy
Elbow, wrist, hip, and ankle arthroscopy

It’s an excellent option for patients who haven’t found relief through non-surgical treatments like physical therapy or injections.

Conditions Treated with Arthroscopy

Some of the most common orthopedic conditions we treat with arthroscopy include:

Torn meniscus or ligaments in the knee (like the ACL)
Rotator cuff tears and shoulder impingement
Loose cartilage or bone fragments
Joint inflammation (synovitis)
Labral tears in the hip or shoulder

Because arthroscopy is so versatile, it’s used to both diagnose the problem and often fix it during the same procedure.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you go home the same day.

Here’s what the process looks like:

You’ll receive regional or general anesthesia.
The surgeon makes one or more small incisions near the joint.
The arthroscope and surgical instruments are inserted.
Repairs are made as needed.
Incisions are closed with small sutures or sterile strips.

The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour, depending on the complexity.

Recovery After Arthroscopy

One of the biggest advantages of arthroscopy is the shorter recovery time compared to traditional open surgery. Most patients can return to work or light activity within a few days, though full recovery may take a few weeks depending on the joint and procedure performed.

We provide:

Detailed post-op instructions
Physical therapy guidance
Follow-up care to ensure optimal healing

Arthroscopy at Texas Orthopaedic Associates

At Texas Orthopaedic Associates, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons are experts in arthroscopic techniques. Whether you’re in Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, or the surrounding areas, we provide comprehensive care from diagnosis to recovery.

Our team specializes in: