There are a variety of procedures that can be conducted using arthroscopic techniques. Arthroscopy uses a few small incisions to insert a small camera attached to a scope, called an arthroscope, which captures images of internal tissues and transmits the images back to large monitors in the operating room. This provides surgeons a complete view of the body's tissues without having to make large open incisions; because of this, these procedures are considered minimally invasive. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

Tendons and ligaments, called connective tissues, are made of collagen fibers that provide strength and stability to a joint. Torn or damaged tendons and ligaments can be repaired surgically. A surgeon can use sutures to connect the ends of torn connective tissues. When the tissue is too damaged and cannot be repaired with sutures a graft may be used to replace the injured tendon or ligament.

This procedure is used to "clean" unnecessary tissue, like flaps of cartilage, fibrous tissue, scar tissue, or bone chips out of a joint. If an injury heals by producing an excess amount of scar tissue that inhibits the ability to move, or causes pain, a surgeon can use an arthroscope to help them remove the scar tissue without having to re-open the entire injury site. Surgeons can also remove loose bodies, like bone chips, which can come loose during a fracture or other trauma using arthroscopic tools to avoid open surgery.

Cartilage is a firm and flexible connective tissue located throughout the body in joints, between bones, in the intervertebral discs, in the rib cage, and in the ear, nose, elbow, knee, and ankle. Like other connective tissues cartilage is made of collagen fibers, but unlike other connective tissues it does not contain blood vessels. This causes cartilage to repair and re-grow slowly. Cartilage can be damaged or degenerate due to a number of different disorders, most notably osteoarthritis. When cartilage is damaged, arthroscopy may be used to repair or remove the damaged tissue to facilitate motion in joints.

Tendonitis occurs due to overuse of tendons, connective tissue made of collagen fibers. Acute tendonitis can occur when use of the tendon is rapidly increased over a short period of time. This type of tendonitis normally fades with rest, but can become chronic tendonitis if untreated. Chronic tendonitis can be caused by increased activity, lowered recovery time between exertion, new footwear, or weakened muscles.

Symptoms

• Pain increasing over time
• Pain at the beginning of exercise but disappearing slowly during the activity
• Injured area is tender to touch

Treatment

• Rest and apply ice to injury
• Anti-inflammatory medication if necessary
• Sports massage or ultrasound
• Physical Therapy

Bursae are small fluid-filled sac-like structures that allow tendons to glide over bones or under the skin to facilitate movement. These structures provide a low-friction surface for tendons to move without getting irritated. Bursitis occurs when the bursa is irritated due to trauma, overuse, infection, or systemic disorders like arthritis.

Symptoms

• Affected area may be red or warm
• End-range of motion will be restricted moderately
• Tenderness at the location of the injury

Treatment

• Rest and protection following the injury
• Draining of the bursa by a physician if necessary
• Cortisone injection to limit inflammation and create a permanent solution to the injury if necessary
• Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed if necessary
• Surgery if the bursitis does not respond to other treatment options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. This nerve passes through a tunnel created by the bones and ligaments of the wrist, known as the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve is pinched in this tunnel, you can feel pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling, particularly in the thumb and index finger.

Symptoms

• Burning, tingling, and numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers
• Decreased grip strength
• Decreased sensitivity to hot and cold

Treatment

• Rest and ice
• Immobilization of the wrist
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Cortisone injections when necessary
• Surgery to cut the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel

Rotator cuff injuries are caused by overuse of overhead arm movements, and can be quite painful. Aching pain occurs when arms are used over the head or directly to the side of the body.

Symptoms

• Pain associated with arm movement especially overhead arm movement
• Pain in shoulder when slept on at night
• Tenderness over general area

Treatment

• Rest and ice are very important
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Continuous movement of the arm with rest periods to avoid reduction of mobility

Symptoms of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear

• Often occurs on dominant side
• Weakness throughout range of motion
• Eventual loss of mobility

Treatment of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear

• Rest and Ice
• Steroid injection when necessary
• Shoulder exercises prescribed by physician
• Physical Therapy

Symptoms of Acute Tear

• Sudden tearing feeling in shoulder
• Radiating pain down arm
• Limited mobility
• Tenderness in specific area of the Rotator Cuff
• Unable to lift arm out to side

Treatment of Acute Tear

• Ice to reduce swelling
• Medications when necessary
• Surgery to repair tendons and ligaments
• Resting of arm in sling if necessary

Impingement Syndrome occurs when the tendons over the shoulder become inflamed from rubbing in the Subacromial Space. This irritation thickens these tendons, causing more pain.

Symptoms

• Pain in the front and side of the shoulder during forceful overhead motions
• Pain at the back and front of the joint during abduction or ER (external rotation)

Treatment

• Rest and ice
• Slow return to sport
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Injection of steroids when necessary
• Stretching exercises
• MRI or ultrasound
• Physical Therapy

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain and restricts movement. Arthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage that normally protects the joint facilitating smooth movement. Without cartilage bones rub together which creates inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are a variety of different types of arthritis but some common causes are autoimmune disease, broken bones, age related wear and tear, and infection.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Joint swelling
• Reduced ability to move the joint
• Redness of the skin
• Stiffness

Treatment

• Low-impact aerobic activity
• Range of motion exercises for flexibility
• Strength training for muscle tone
• Avoid placing extra stress on your affected joints
• Modify your home to make activities easier
• Medications
• Surgery

Fractures can occur for a number of reasons related to trauma to the bone. Traumatic injuries, including those sustained during falls, car accidents, or fights, can cause bone to break.

Symptoms

• Sharp, intense pain
• Popping, or snapping sounds
• Swelling and inflammation near or around injury location
• A visible, unnatural bend in a bone

Treatment

• Casting or bracing
• Surgery
• Locking plate technology

Lateral Epicondylitis is an overuse injury that occurs from performing repetitive motion with the forearm and arm muscles, often associated with Tennis players. The tendons that connect the forearm muscles on the outside of the muscle become inflamed.

Symptoms

• Pain on outside of elbow
• Gripping and lifting objects becomes difficult
• Sometimes radiating pain down arm

Treatment

• Resting the elbow joint
• R.I.C.E. method
• Wrapping the forearm right below the elbow joint
• Anti-inflammatory medication if necessary

Frozen shoulder is a disorder caused by the inflammation, scarring, and shrinking of the shoulder capsule. Any type of injury to the shoulder joint may lead to a frozen shoulder.

Symptoms

• Aching shoulder pain
• Limited movement of the joint
• Pain, especially when sleeping on injured side

Treatment

• Anti-inflammatory medication
• Cortisone injections when necessary
• Exercise program and therapy
• Surgery for severe cases

The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that transmit signals from the spinal cord to the shoulder, arm, and hand. Brachial plexus injuries usually include stretching or tears to the network of nerves in the neck and shoulder.

Symptoms

• Pain
• A limp or paralyzed arm
• Decreased muscle control in the arm, hand, or wrist
• Loss of feeling or sensation in the arm or hand

Treatment

• Medications
• Physical therapy exercises
• Surgery including nerve grafts or nerve transfers

Compartment syndrome is caused by pressure in muscles that builds up to harmful levels, decreasing blood flow and preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching nerve and muscle cells.

Symptoms

• Severe pain
• Decreased sensation
• Paleness of skin
• Weakness

Treatment

• Surgery to relieve the pressure and re-establish blood flow

Dupuytren's Contracture is an abnormal thickening of the fibrous layer of skin beneath the palm and fingers that causes the finger to curl. This disorder is uncommon, and only causes severe pain in rare cases.

Symptoms

• Thickening of the skin on the hand
• A lump of tissue under the palm
• Fingers that curl toward the palm
• Most often affects the ring and pinky fingers

Treatment

• Observation
• Surgery