Arthroscopic Surgery

How does arthroscopic surgery work?

Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure by which the internal structure of a joint is diagnosed and/or treated using a tube-like viewing instrument called an arthroscope. This instrument allows your surgeon to view the interior of the joint on a large television monitor in the operating room. The size of the arthroscope varies with the size of the joint being examined. There are arthroscopes as small as 0.5 millimeters in diameter to examine small joints such as the wrist.

During arthroscopic surgery, the surgeon will make a small incision on the side of the joint to be examined, and the arthroscope will be inserted into the incision. Other instruments can also be placed in another small incision to help maneuver certain structures into the view of the arthroscope. Sometimes, additional instruments are inserted into the joint through the arthroscope. These instruments can be used to cut, remove, and repair damaged tissues.

Injuries That May Require Arthroscopic Surgery

Common injuries for which arthroscopy is considered include cartilage tears (meniscus tears), ligament strains and tears, and cartilage deterioration underneath the kneecap.

Arthroscopy is commonly used in the evaluation of knee and shoulder injuries, but can also be used to examine and treat conditions of the wrist, ankles, and elbows. Recently, repair of crevasses in the cartilage, using a “paste” of a patient’s own cartilage cells that have been harvested and grown in the laboratory, has been performed using an arthroscope.

If you and your doctor decide upon arthroscopic surgery, it will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure. As a part of Hoag Orthopedic Institute’s commitment to a greater standard of service, you will find an impressive one-to-one or one-to-two nurse to patient ratio in outpatient surgery. The quality of care at HOI is one of the reasons top notch orthopedic surgeons, recognized for expertise in arthroscopic surgery, have aligned their practices with us.

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Helping You Recover from Arthroscopic Surgery

After surgery, your surgeon and a member of our physical therapy team will determine an exercise program for you that will gradually strengthen the muscles surrounding the joint and prevent scarring (contracture) of surrounding soft tissues. The goal is to recover stability and strength of the joint rapidly and safely, while preventing the build-up of scar tissue. This program is an essential part of the recovery process for an optimal outcome of this procedure.

If you are interested in learning more about the services that we offer, please do not hesitate to contact us today. Hoag Orthopedic Institute is nationally recognized.

Frequently Asked Questions

At your first appointment, you’ll meet with a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine doctor who will take the time to understand your injury, training demands, and performance goals. You'll have a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and any imaging or test results you bring. Next, your sports medicine specialist will perform a focused physical exam to assess strength, range of motion, and joint stability.
If additional insight is needed, advanced imaging, such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound, can be arranged on-site. Together, you’ll review the findings, explore treatment options, and decide on the next steps. Before you leave, our sports injury doctor will design a personalized treatment plan to maximize your recovery and return to your sport safely and confidently.
When you're ready to meet with an experienced sports medicine doctor at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, call (949) 890-0464 or complete our online request form. We’ll match you with the orthopedic sports medicine specialist best suited to your needs and help arrange any imaging or records in advance.
From your very first visit, you’ll have access to a dedicated team of sports medicine specialists and the latest diagnostic tools and advanced treatment options to get you back to your sport safely and with confidence.
Our award-winning team of orthopedic sports medicine specialists treats injuries ranging from sprains and tendonitis to complex ligament tears, fractures, and joint damage. HOI’s sports medicine doctors do not just treat an injury—they dig deeper to diagnose any underlying issues to get patients back to doing what they love sooner.
HOI sports medicine doctors start with non-surgical options whenever possible, including seamless access to imaging, physical therapy and performance specialists, bracing, activity modification, and image-guided injections to reduce pain and speed your healing.
When surgery is your best path forward, our orthopedic sports surgeons perform procedures such as arthroscopic ligament reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, cartilage restoration, and others.
Our sports medicine surgeons use the most advanced minimally invasive techniques designed to restore full function and support long-term performance while preserving the healthy surrounding tissues.
We customize your treatment to your sport and performance goals, helping you recover fully, protect against re-injury, and return to play with confidence.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine doctors, orthopedic surgeons, and rehabilitation specialists bring advanced expertise to diagnosing and treating sports-related injuries. Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply embrace an active lifestyle, our sports medicine specialists design your care around your performance goals and your long-term health. Unlike primary care sports medicine doctors who typically see just a small number of sports injuries, HOI’s sports medicine team only treat sports medicine injuries and conditions—day in and day out.
When you need surgery, our sports orthopedic surgeons use the most advanced technology and non-operative treatment options to achieve exceptional accuracy in repair and reconstruction to help safeguard healthy tissues, restore proper mechanics, and support a faster, more confident return to play.
From your first consultation through recovery, you’ll work with a team that understands the demands of your sport and is committed to getting you back to doing what you love—safely and at your highest level.