Overview By Mayo Clinic Staff Print Arthroscopy (ahr-THROS-kuh-pee) is a procedure for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon inserts a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision — about the size of a buttonhole. The view inside your joint is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see inside your joint without making a large incision. Surgeons can even repair some types of joint damage during arthroscopy, with pencil-thin surgical instruments inserted through additional small incisions. Request an appointment Doctors & Departments Aug. 19, 2022 Print Show references AskMayoExpert. Arthroscopic knee surgery. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017. Arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/arthroscopy. Accessed July 9, 2018. Azar FM, et al. Arthroscopy. In: Campbell's Operative Orthopaedics. 13th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier; 2017. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed July 9, 2018. Knee arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy. Accessed July 9, 2018. Frequently asked questions about surgical site infections. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/hai/ssi/faq_ssi.html. Accessed July 9, 2018. Related Arthritis Baker cyst Hip dysplasia Hip labral tear Patellofemoral pain syndrome Swollen knee Thumb arthritis Torn meniscus Wrist pain Show more related content Products & Services A Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition Mayo Clinic Sports Medicine Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter — Digital Edition Show more products and services from Mayo Clinic ArthroscopyAboutDoctors&Departments Advertisement Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Advertising & Sponsorship Policy Opportunities Ad Choices Mayo Clinic Press Check out these best-sellers and special offers on books and newsletters from Mayo Clinic Press. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on IncontinenceThe Essential Diabetes Book - Mayo Clinic PressThe Essential Diabetes BookMayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic on Hearing and BalanceFREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic PressFREE Mayo Clinic Diet AssessmentMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic PressMayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book PRC-20392960 Patient Care & Health Information Tests & Procedures Arthroscopy