Arthroscopy involves small incisions in the diagnostic or treatment area, through which Dr. Hood inserts a small arthroscope that contains a light and tiny camera. This camera sends back real-time images of the interior structures of your joint to an external monitor.
Dr. Hood watches this monitor throughout the procedure, getting an up-close look at the joint to better understand the type of damage or disease that’s causing your pain and disability.
During a diagnostic arthroscopy, Dr. Hood gathers the information he needs to create a treatment plan. If he’s using arthroscopy to repair the damage, Dr. Hood can insert specialized surgical instruments to repair muscle tears or remove damaged tissue.
Like other minimally invasive surgeries, arthroscopy only requires small incisions to diagnose or treat joint damage. Small incisions cause less trauma to your body and may help you recover faster from your procedure.
In most cases, Dr. Hood performs arthroscopy on an outpatient basis, and you can expect to go home soon after the procedure to start your recovery.
Other potential benefits of arthroscopy include: