When patients hear the word “surgery,” many imagine long hospital stays, large scars, and weeks in bed. But orthopedic surgery has changed—dramatically.
Thanks to arthroscopy, many joint problems can now be treated through small incisions with minimal tissue damage and faster recovery. But how does arthroscopy differ from traditional “open” surgery, and when is each approach appropriate?
Let’s break it down.
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems.
It involves:
- A tiny camera (arthroscope) inserted into the joint through a small incision.
- Specialized instruments passed through additional small incisions.
- Real-time visualization on a screen for precise repairs.
It’s commonly used in:
- Shoulder (e.g. rotator cuff repair, instability).
- Knee (e.g. meniscal repair, ACL reconstruction).
Benefits of Arthroscopy
Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy offers:
- Smaller incisions.
- Less bleeding and soft tissue damage.
- Lower risk of infection.
- Faster recovery time.
- Reduced postoperative pain.
- Minimal scarring.
This means patients are often back on their feet quicker and can begin rehabilitation much earlier.
What Is Open Surgery?
Open surgery requires a larger incision to fully expose the joint and surrounding tissues. While it may sound outdated, it’s still necessary for:
- Joint replacements (e.g. total hip or knee arthroplasty).
- Complex fractures or deformities.
- Severe arthritis where arthroscopy wouldn’t be sufficient.
We still aim to use minimally invasive techniques even in open surgery — like muscle-sparing approaches in hip replacements — to reduce trauma and speed up healing.
When Do We Recommend Arthroscopy?
We always aim for the least invasive, most effective treatment. We recommend arthroscopy when:
- The joint problem can be fully treated through a camera-based approach.
- The benefits of a faster recovery outweigh the need for extensive exposure.
- You’re motivated to engage in post-op rehab and return to activity quickly.
Common procedures I perform arthroscopically include:
- Rotator cuff repair.
- Labrum reattachment (Bankart repair).
- Meniscal suture.
- Subacromial decompression.
Final Thought
Surgery doesn’t have to mean long recovery and big scars.
Arthroscopy allows us to diagnose and treat joint problems with precision and minimal disruption—helping you heal faster and get back to what you love. If you’re facing surgery, let’s talk about the best approach for your condition and your goals.