Open Accessibility Menu
Hide
COVID-19 UPDATE:  Now vaccinating Texans ages 12 and up. Click here to schedule!
Methodist Medical Group
(214) 941-4243

Arthroscopic Procedures

Minimally Invasive Joint Pain Diagnostics & Treatments

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. These procedures are commonly recommended for patients with joint pain. It is a safe, innovative procedure that can help us find the cause of joint pain without putting too much strain on the body.

Arthroscopy is often used to diagnose or treat:

  • Inflammation – When tissues are agitated or damaged, they will swell and inflame, causing painful symptoms. Joint inflammation is most common in the knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles.
  • Injuries – Arthroscopy is often used to treat both acute and chronic injuries, including cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and more.
  • Osteoarthritis – This is the most common type of arthritis. It is caused by the loss of cartilage in a joint from normal wear and tear.
  • Debris Removal – After an injury or illness, it is possible for lose bone or cartilage to become lodged in a joint. Arthroscopic procedures can remove this debris.

These are not the only conditions arthroscopy can help with. Our experienced surgeons will recommend this minimally invasive procedure for any patients who can benefit.

What to Expect

One of the main benefits of arthroscopic surgery is that it only requires a small incision in the skin. The arthroscopic is a small, tube-shaped object that can fit into small spaces. A camera is attached to the tip of the scope so that the surgeon can guide it to the designated area and examine it without cutting open the area to examine it by hand.

In addition to the camera, the arthroscope has other small tools attached that can remove and repair damaged tissue. Arthroscopic procedures are usually performed with regional or local anesthesia. When the procedure is complete, the incision is closed up and patients can return home after a brief period of observation. Recovering from an arthroscopic procedure is much faster than it would be in a traditional open surgery.