Definition

Noun: A surgical procedure on a joint, performed through a small incision, using an arthroscope (a thin, flexible tube with a camera and light) to view the inside of the joint and guide the repair of damage.

Usage

"Arthroscopy" is a medical term used specifically for a type of minimally invasive surgery. It is typically followed by a prepositional phrase specifying the joint (e.g., of the knee) or used in a compound adjective form (e.g., arthroscopy surgery).

Examples

• The orthopedic surgeon recommended arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus in his knee.
• Arthroscopy of the shoulder is a common procedure for rotator cuff injuries.
• Recovery time after a knee arthroscopy is often shorter than after open surgery.

Advanced Usage

• Diagnostic arthroscopy: A procedure where the arthroscope is used primarily to examine and diagnose a problem within a joint, sometimes followed by a surgical repair during the same operation.
  • The diagnostic arthroscopy revealed significant cartilage wear.

Variants and Related Words

• Arthroscope (noun): The instrument used to perform an arthroscopy.
• Arthroscopic (adjective): Pertaining to or performed by arthroscopy.
  • He underwent arthroscopic surgery.

Synonyms

• Keyhole surgery (general term, less specific)
• Endoscopic surgery (broader category)

Related Phrases

• To undergo an arthroscopy: To have this surgical procedure performed.
  • The athlete will undergo an arthroscopy next week.
• To perform an arthroscopy: To carry out this surgical procedure (from the surgeon's perspective).
  • The surgeon will perform an arthroscopy to assess the damage.

Noun

1. a minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint; the surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision