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Arthroscopy

Overview

Open all pages about Arthroscopy

An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used to diagnose and sometimes treat joint problems.

An arthroscopy can check for the causes of joint problems as well as help repair joint damage.

You may need to take time off work after an arthroscopy. It’s normal to have some pain afterwards, so make sure you have some painkillers at home.

During an arthroscopy, a thin camera tube is passed into a small cut made near the joint. You’ll be asleep, or have medicine to numb the area.

It’s common to have joint pain and stiffness after an arthroscopy. These symptoms usually improve within a few weeks.

You’ll be given advice about what to do to help yourself recover after an arthroscopy. This may include doing exercises to help strengthen the joint.

Page last reviewed: 09/06/2022
Next review due: 09/06/2025