Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons to view, diagnose and treat joint problems. The term Arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, ‘arthro’ (joint) and ‘skopein’ (to look). The term simply means ‘to look inside the joint.’ Arthroscopic surgery has revolutionised the diagnosis and management of joint problems. Initially used only as a diagnostic tool prior to open surgery, the availability of better instruments and techniques has encouraged the use of arthroscopy for treating a variety of joint problems, avoiding complicated surgeries and longer recovery. In fact, except joint replacement and major intra-articular fractures, all other problems involving the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist joint can be treated with arthroscopic surgery. An arthroscopy is a kind of keyhole surgery used for diagnosing and treating problems of the joints. ​​​The procedure is most commonly used on the Knees and Shoulder but also can be done on ankles, elbows and wrist. If MRI on your joint has been done which shows a problem like swelling, stiffness, ligament or cartilage injury, then an arthroscopy would be recommended. By doing this procedure the surgeon can look inside the joint and can also treat that condition.