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Arthroscopy - Why It Is Done
About this test
Arthroscopy is used to:
- Evaluate and diagnose a joint problem when a physical exam and other diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, blood tests, computed tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are not conclusive.
- Perform surgery to repair a joint problem.
Examples of when arthroscopy is used to perform surgery:
- Bone tissue can be shaved to remove calcium deposits or bone spurs.
- Soft tissues (such as ligaments, tendons, or cartilage) can be repaired or trimmed.
- Ligaments can be cut, repaired, or reconstructed.
- Cutting or releasing a tight ligament may allow increased range of motion for a stiff joint.
- A sample of joint tissue or joint fluid (synovial fluid) may be collected for laboratory analysis (biopsy).
- Scar tissue or an area of joint lining (synovium) that is inflamed can be removed.
Some joint problems may sometimes be repaired using a combination of arthroscopy and open surgery.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 7, 2011 |
| Medical Review: | William H. Blahd, Jr., MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine Kenneth J. Koval, MD - Orthopedic Surgery, Orthopedic Trauma | |
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