With the use of the arthroscope, many types of procedures can be done without having to make large incisions into the knee. Without large incisions, the surgery is less painful and the recovery is much quicker. The most common use of arthroscopy involves treatment of meniscal lesions. These include chondromalacia, which is a roughness or irregularity under the patella, producing pain. In addition, some types of patella alignment problems can also be treated with arthroscopic surgery, either alone or in combination with more extensive surgery.
Ligaments are structures that attach bones together, and are major components of the knee joint.
The arthroscope can be used to diagnose injuries to ligaments inside the knee. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery is an important component of ligament reconstructive surgery. Other applications of the arthroscope include the treatment of certain fractures, arthritis, infections, and diseases that involve the knee joint lining. Although arthroscopy was first used for knee problems, refined techniques and improved instruments have expanded the uses of arthroscopy. Today, other joints are being arthroscoped with increasing frequency, including the shoulder, ankle, wrist, and elbow.