Although the experience varies depending on why you're having the procedure and on which joint is involved, some aspects of arthroscopy are fairly standard.
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You'll remove your street clothes and jewelry and put on a hospital gown or shorts.
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A nurse will place an intravenous catheter in your hand or forearm and inject a mild sedative.
During the procedure
The type of anesthesia used varies by procedure.
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Local anesthesia. Numbing agents are injected below the skin to block sensation in a limited area, such as your knee. With local anesthesia, you'll be awake during your arthroscopy, but the most you'll feel is pressure or a sensation of movement within the joint.
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Regional anesthesia. The most common form of regional anesthesia is delivered through a small tube placed between two of your spine's lumbar vertebrae. This numbs the bottom half of your body, but you are still awake.
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General anesthesia. Depending on the length of the operation, it may be better for you to be unconscious during the procedure. General anesthesia is delivered intravenously.
You'll be placed in the best position for the procedure you're having. This may be on your back, on your stomach or on your side. The limb being worked on will be placed in a positioning device, and a tourniquet may be used to decrease blood loss and make it easier to see inside the joint.
Another technique to improve the view inside your joint is to fill it with a sterile fluid, which helps distend the area and provide more maneuvering room.
One small incision will admit the viewing device. Additional small incisions at different points around the joint allow the surgeon to insert surgical tools to grasp, cut, grind and provide suction as needed for joint repair.
Each incision will be less than 1/4 inch (7 millimeters) long and can be closed with one or two stitches, or with narrow strips of sterile adhesive tape.
After the procedure
Arthroscopic surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the procedure performed. After that, you'll be taken to a separate room to recover for a few hours before going home.
Your aftercare may include:
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Medications. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection, as well as medication to relieve pain and inflammation.
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R.I.C.E. At home, you'll need to rest, ice, compress and elevate the joint for several days to reduce swelling and pain.
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Protection. You may need to temporarily use splints, slings or crutches for comfort and protection.
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Exercises. Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy and rehabilitation to help strengthen your muscles and improve the function of your joint.
Call your surgeon if you develop:
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A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
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Pain not helped by medication
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Drainage from your incision
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Redness or swelling
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New numbness or tingling
In general, you should be able to resume desk work and light activity in a week, and more strenuous activity in about four weeks. Remember, however, that your situation may dictate a longer recovery period, along with rehabilitation.