While arthroscopy is known to benefit injured athletes, it’s also helpful to non-athletes with injuries to the knees (cartilage tears, cartilage wear or injury, and ligament tears) or shoulders (rotator cuff tendon tears, recurring dislocations).
During these arthroscopic procedures, a YRMC orthopedic surgeon inserts a small camera – an arthroscope – into the knee or shoulder. The arthroscope sends the image to a television monitor which allows the orthopedic surgeon to see the knee or shoulder in great detail. The surgeon then uses small surgical instruments to remove or repair damaged tissue.
While recovery times vary, most people can resume daily activities a few days after arthroscopy and, in some cases, return to athletic activities in a few weeks.