Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive or "keyhole" procedure that allows surgeons to see inside a joint with a fiberoptic telescope called an arthroscope which projects an image onto an external television screen. Arthroscopy has the advantage of not only being a diagnostic procedure but also allows operations to be carried out within the joint cavities.

During joint arthroscopy a camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision (about one centimeter). The arthroscopic surgery camera is attached to a fiber optic light source and shows a picture of the inside of the joint on a monitor. The surgeon uses water under pressure to "inflate" the joint allowing more maneuverability and to remove any debris. One or more other incisions are made to insert instruments that can treat the underlying problem.

Reduced stay in the hospital after the surgery. Another benefit of arthroscopic surgery is less pain because there is less compromise to the surrounding tissues.

Regional for knee and ankle surgeries: and general anaesthesia for shoulder surgeries.

Although uncommon, the same complications as with any procedure do occur occasionally during or following arthroscopic surgery. Infections are the most common complication and these can be prevented with pre-operative and post-operative antibiotics and gentle exercises. Other complications can include: excessive bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves, and instrument breakage are the most common complications, but occur in far less than 1 percent of all arthroscopic procedures.