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Arthroscopy
Understanding Arthroscopy: procedure, recovery, and post-surgical care
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It allows surgeons to see inside a joint using a small camera (arthroscope), and perform precise repairs through tiny incisions.
Because it causes less tissue damage, patients usually experience less pain and faster recovery than with traditional open surgery.¹,² Arthroscopy is commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, and wrist.
What it involves
Arthroscopy combines diagnostic and therapeutic precision:3
- A small incision is made to insert an arthroscope.
- The joint is filled with fluid to improve visibility.
- Specialised instruments are used to remove damaged tissue, smooth cartilage, or repair ligaments/tendons.
- The incisions are closed with a few stitches or adhesive strips.
Because it’s performed under local, regional, or general anaesthesia, patients can usually return home the same day.
When to consider arthroscopy
A healthcare professional may recommend arthroscopy if:3,4
- Imaging (e.g. X-ray) shows joint damage that needs clarification or repair.
- Pain, swelling, or locking persists despite conservative treatment.
- You have loose fragments of cartilage or bone inside the joint.
Arthroscopy may be part of a broader treatment plan, often following or combined with non-surgical therapies such as physiotherapy or injections.3
Treatment options and recovery
Following arthroscopy, the goal is to restore joint mobility and reduce pain. A rehabilitation plan typically includes:3
- Rest and gradual movement to prevent stiffness.
- Physical therapy to rebuild muscle strength and flexibility.
- Cold therapy or medication to manage swelling.
While arthroscopy generally allows for a quicker recovery compared with open surgery,1,2 complete healing may still require several weeks to months.3
Our treatment
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring molecule essential for maintaining joint lubrication and cushioning.5-7 When administered at the end of arthroscopic procedures, it serves a mechanical function to:
- Restore joint fluid viscosity: It helps re-establish the thickness and elasticity of synovial fluid, replacing fluid lost during the procedure.5
- Lubricate cartilage: It reduces friction between joint surfaces during movement.6-8
- Provide shock absorption: It acts as a buffer to cushion the joint against mechanical stress.5,7,8
Its structure mirrors the body’s own hyaluronic acid (similar concentration and molecular characteristics), ensuring it is biocompatible and suitable for use in post-procedural protocols.5
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found throughout the human body.
References
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Menekse S. Comparison of Outcomes between Open and Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair. Advances in Orthopedics. 2024;2024:1–7.
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Vuletić F, Bøe B. Current Trends and Outcomes for Open vs. Arthroscopic Latarjet. Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine. 2024;17:136–143.
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Shoulder Arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/shoulder-arthroscopy/. Accessed November 2025.
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Why it’s done – Arthroscopy. NHS. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/arthroscopy/why-its-done/. Accessed November 2025.
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Mathies B. Effects of Viscoseal, a synovial fluid substitute, on recovery after arthroscopic partial meniscectomy and joint lavage. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Off J ESSKA. 2006;14(1):32–39.
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Dong Z, Huang L, Wu G, et al.. Efficacy and safety of arthroscopic surgery combined with hyaluronic acid for meniscal injuries: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies. Journal of orthopaedic surgery, 2023;31(1):1–9.
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Chau JY, Chan W, Woo S, et al. Hyaluronic Acid Instillation following Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Double-Blinded, Randomised Controlled Study. J Orthop Surg. 2012;20(2):162–165.
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Hempfling H. Intra-articular hyaluronic acid after knee arthroscopy: a two-year study. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc Off J ESSKA. 2007;15(5):537–546.
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TRB Chemedica. Viscoseal IFU. Available at: http://trbchemedica.de/mediathek/viscoseal-syringe-beipackzettel-ifu/ (accessed December 2025).