Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. During the procedure, a small incision, roughly the size of a buttonhole, is made in the skin, through which a pencil-sized instrument called an arthroscope is carefully inserted. The arthroscope contains a miniature lens and a fiber-optic lighting system that magnifies and illuminates the internal structures of the joint. Connected to a high-definition television camera, it projects a clear, real-time image of the joint’s interior onto a monitor, allowing your surgeon to precisely evaluate and address the problem.
Because arthroscopy requires only tiny incisions rather than large surgical openings, it results in significantly less trauma to the surrounding muscles and tissues compared to traditional surgery.
Expert Arthroscopic Surgery at Academy Orthopedics
At Academy Orthopedics, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons – Jesse E. Seidman, M.D, James W. Duckett III, M.D, and Jonathan Katz, M.D.– are experienced in performing advanced arthroscopic procedures that help patients return to the activities they love, with less pain, smaller incisions, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
What Is Arthroscopy and How Does the Procedure Work?
Understanding what happens during arthroscopy can ease pre-surgical anxiety and help you prepare. Here is what typically takes place:
Step 1 – Anesthesia
Depending on the joint being treated and your overall health, your surgeon will administer general, spinal, or local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.
Step 2 – Small Incisions
One or more tiny incisions (portals) approximately the size of a buttonhole are made around the joint. These small access points minimize damage to the surrounding soft tissue.
Step 3 – Arthroscope Insertion
The arthroscope is inserted through one of the portals. The lens and fiber-optic light allow the surgeon to view the joint in detail on a monitor in real time.
Step 4 – Surgical Instruments
If treatment is required, additional accessory incisions are made through which small, specially designed surgical instruments are inserted to repair, remove, or reconstruct damaged tissue.
Step 5 – Closure & Recovery
Once the procedure is complete, the arthroscope and instruments are removed, and the small incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips. The entire procedure typically takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on complexity.
What Conditions Are Treated With Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic examination and surgery are highly effective for diagnosing and treating a wide range of joint conditions. At Academy Orthopedics, our specialists use arthroscopy to address:
Inflammation (Synovitis)
Synovitis is the inflammation of the synovial lining, the tissue that lines the inner surface of joints, including the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle. Chronic inflammation can cause pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Arthroscopy allows your surgeon to directly visualize and remove inflamed tissue.
Acute & Chronic Joint Injuries
Many common sports injuries and repetitive-strain conditions can be effectively treated arthroscopically, including:
- Cartilage tears (meniscal tears)
- Rotator cuff tears
- Labral tears of the shoulder or hip
- Tendon tears
- Ligament damage (such as ACL injuries)
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis results from the gradual breakdown of cartilage within a joint, causing bone-on-bone friction, pain, and stiffness. While arthroscopy is not a cure for arthritis, it can relieve symptoms by removing damaged tissue and loose debris from within the joint.
Loose Bodies
Fragments of bone or cartilage can break off and become lodged inside a joint, causing pain, locking, or catching sensations with movement. Arthroscopy allows for the precise removal of these loose bodies without the need for open surgery.
Bone Spurs
Abnormal bony growths that develop along the edges of bones can be identified and removed arthroscopically, restoring smoother joint movement.
Torn or Damaged Ligaments
Ligaments that stabilize joints, particularly in the knee and shoulder, can be repaired or reconstructed through arthroscopic techniques.
What Joints Does Arthroscopic Surgery Treat?
Our surgeons at Academy Orthopedics perform arthroscopic procedures on five major joints:
Shoulder Arthroscopy
The shoulder is one of the most complex and frequently injured joints in the body. Shoulder arthroscopy at Academy Orthopedics is used to treat rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, labral tears (SLAP tears), shoulder instability and dislocations, biceps tendon injuries, and AC joint problems. Because the shoulder relies on multiple tendons, muscles, and ligaments working in precise coordination, arthroscopic access allows our surgeons to address multiple structures through the same small incisions. Learn More About Shoulder Arthroscopy
Knee Arthroscopy
The knee is the most commonly arthroscoped joint. Academy Orthopedics surgeons use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat meniscal tears (one of the most common sports injuries), ACL and PCL reconstruction, cartilage damage and defects, patella (kneecap) problems, synovitis, and removal of loose bone or cartilage. Whether your knee problem is the result of a sports injury, degenerative wear, or a traumatic event, knee arthroscopy offers a highly effective, minimally invasive approach. Learn More About Knee Arthroscopy
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is a newer but rapidly growing procedure used to treat conditions that were once managed only through open surgery. At Academy Orthopedics, hip arthroscopy addresses femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears of the hip, cartilage damage, snapping hip syndrome, and loose bodies within the hip joint. Recovery from hip arthroscopy is generally shorter and less painful than traditional open hip procedures. Learn More About Hip Arthroscopy
Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy enables our surgeons to examine and treat small, intricate structures within the wrist joint. It is used for diagnosing wrist pain that cannot be confirmed by MRI or X-ray alone, treating TFCC (triangular fibrocartilage complex) tears, addressing ligament injuries, removing ganglion cysts, and treating early-stage wrist arthritis. The wrist contains many delicate bones, tendons, and ligaments that benefit from the precision of arthroscopic visualization. Learn More About Wrist Arthroscopy
Elbow Arthroscopy
The elbow joint can be affected by a variety of conditions that respond well to arthroscopic treatment. Academy Orthopedics uses elbow arthroscopy for removing loose bodies and bone spurs, treating lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), addressing elbow arthritis, treating osteochondritis dissecans, and releasing scar tissue that limits range of motion. Because the elbow is surrounded by important nerves and blood vessels, the precision of arthroscopy makes it particularly advantageous here. Learn More About Elbow Arthroscopy
What Are the Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery?
Compared to open surgery, arthroscopic procedures offer a range of clinically recognized benefits:
Smaller Incisions
Portals are roughly the size of a buttonhole, significantly reducing scarring and post-operative discomfort.
Less Tissue Damage
By avoiding the need to cut through large amounts of muscle and soft tissue, arthroscopy preserves the integrity of the structures surrounding the joint.
Reduced Risk of Infection
Smaller wounds exposed to the environment mean a lower risk of surgical site infection compared to open procedures.
Faster Recovery
Most patients are able to resume light daily activities within a few days, and many return to work and recreational activity far sooner than with traditional surgery.
Often Performed as Outpatient
Many arthroscopic procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis at Academy Orthopedics’ own Ambulatory Surgical Center, meaning you go home the same day.
Simultaneous Diagnosis and Treatment
Arthroscopy allows your surgeon to both confirm a diagnosis and treat the underlying problem in a single procedure, eliminating the need for a separate diagnostic operation.
Lower Anesthesia Requirements
Many arthroscopic procedures can be performed under local or regional anesthesia, reducing the risks associated with general anesthesia.
What Are the Potential Risks and Complications of Arthroscopic Surgery?
While arthroscopy is considered one of the safest surgical procedures available, as with any surgery, certain risks exist. At Academy Orthopedics, we believe in fully transparent, informed consent. Possible complications include:
- Infection – Rare but possible; minimized through sterile technique
- Phlebitis – Blood clot formation in a vein (deep vein thrombosis)
- Excessive Swelling or Bleeding – Typically managed with ice, compression, and elevation
- Blood Vessel or Nerve Damage – Very uncommon but a potential risk with any joint procedure
- Instrument Breakage – An extremely rare mechanical complication
- Stiffness or Incomplete Recovery – Particularly if post-operative rehabilitation is not followed consistently
- Anesthesia Reactions – Discussed in detail during your pre-operative consultation
Important Note: The risks associated with arthroscopy are substantially lower than those of traditional open surgery. Your surgeon at Academy Orthopedics will discuss all potential risks specific to your procedure, health history, and the joint being treated during your consultation, so you can make a fully informed decision about your care.
What is the Recovery Time and What to Expect After Arthroscopic Surgery
Recovery from arthroscopy is typically faster and more comfortable than recovery from open joint surgery, but the timeline varies depending on the specific procedure performed, the joint involved, and your individual health.
Immediately After Surgery (Day 1-3)
You will be monitored briefly in the recovery area before being discharged. Most patients go home the same day. Expect mild to moderate soreness, swelling, and stiffness around the joint. Ice, compression, and elevation are typically recommended to manage swelling.
First Two Weeks
The small puncture wounds typically begin to heal within the first two weeks. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on wound care, which activities to avoid, and whether you need crutches, a sling, or a brace. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to check your progress.
Weeks 3-6
Depending on the procedure, a formal physical therapy and rehabilitation program will likely be recommended. Targeted exercises help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the joint. Compliance with your rehab program is one of the most important factors in achieving a full recovery.
Return to Full Activity
Many patients can resume light daily activities and desk work within a few days to a week. Return to physically demanding work, sports, or strenuous activities typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the complexity of your surgery.
Rehabilitation at Academy Orthopedics
Our surgical team will coordinate a personalized recovery plan tailored to your procedure and lifestyle goals, whether you are a competitive athlete aiming to return to sport or someone simply wanting to live without joint pain.
Why Choose Academy Orthopedics?
Academy Orthopedics has been a trusted name in orthopedic care across North Georgia. When it comes to arthroscopic surgery, patients choose us for:
Board-Certified Surgeons
Our orthopedic surgeons are board-certified, fellowship-trained specialists with extensive experience performing arthroscopic procedures across all five major joints. Each surgeon brings subspecialty expertise to their area of focus.
On-Site Ambulatory Surgical Center
Academy Orthopedics operates a fully accredited Ambulatory Surgical Center at our Cumming location, offering patients the convenience of outpatient surgery in a private, dedicated orthopedic setting. This means seamless coordination between your consultation, surgery, and follow-up care.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
From your initial diagnosis and pre-operative planning through surgery and rehabilitation, our team manages every step of your care under one roof. We work closely with physical therapists, pain management specialists, and patient coordinators to ensure a smooth, supported recovery.
Minimally Invasive Surgery
At Academy Orthopedics, we prioritize the least invasive, most effective treatment for each patient. Arthroscopy is always considered in the context of your full clinical picture; we recommend surgery only when it is the most appropriate path forward.
Multiple Convenient Locations
With offices in Cumming, Buford, and Duluth, Georgia, expert orthopedic care is always close to home. Our healthcare team serves patients from across Forsyth, Hall, and Gwinnett counties.
Accredited & Recognized
Academy Orthopedics is affiliated with and recognized by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS), the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), Northside Hospital Forsyth, and Northside Hospital Duluth.
Ready to Find Relief? Academy Orthopedics Is Here to Help.
Joint pain, limited mobility, and the uncertainty of an undiagnosed injury can significantly impact your quality of life. At Academy Orthopedics, our goal is simple: to get you back to doing what you love, as quickly and safely as possible.
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, swelling, instability, or restricted movement, or if you have been told you may need arthroscopic surgery, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists. We will evaluate your condition thoroughly, explain your options honestly, and develop a personalized treatment plan designed around your individual goals and lifestyle.
Schedule Your Appointment Today at 770-271-9857 or Request an Appointment Online Using the Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arthroscopic surgery painful?
Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort after surgery, which is well-controlled with prescribed pain medication and ice therapy. The procedure itself is performed under anesthesia, so you will feel no pain during surgery. Post-operative soreness typically improves significantly within the first week.
How long does the arthroscopic surgical procedure take?
The duration varies by joint and complexity. Many routine arthroscopic procedures take between 30 minutes and 1.5 hours. Your surgeon will provide a more specific estimate during your pre-operative consultation.
Will I need physical therapy after arthroscopy?
In most cases, yes. A structured rehabilitation program is an important part of your recovery and greatly improves outcomes. The Academy Orthopedics team will refer you to a physical therapy plan appropriate for your specific procedure.
Can I have an arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure?
Many arthroscopic surgeries can be performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you arrive, have your procedure, and return home the same day. At Academy Orthopedics, we operate our own Ambulatory Surgical Center in Cumming, offering a convenient and comfortable outpatient setting.
How do I know if I need arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy may be recommended after a physical examination, imaging studies (such as MRI or X-ray), and a thorough review of your symptoms. Your Academy Orthopedics surgeon will discuss whether arthroscopy is the most appropriate option for your condition or whether non-surgical treatments should be tried first.
What is the difference between arthroscopy and open surgery?
Open surgery involves larger incisions that expose the full surgical site. Arthroscopy uses small portals and a camera, resulting in less tissue disruption, lower infection risk, and faster healing. However, some complex conditions still require open surgical techniques.