Diagnosing joint problems
An arthroscopy can be used to help diagnose a number of joint problems, including:
- unexplained joint pain
- joint stiffness
- swelling of the joint
- limited range of movement within the joint
- the joint giving way at certain times or ‘popping’ out of position
Initial tests for these types of problems usually involve the use of imaging studies such as:
- X-rays - where high energy waves are used to produce an image of the bones
- computerised tomography (CT) scans - where several X-rays are taken and assembled by a computer to create a more detailed, three-dimensional image of the affected joint
- magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans - where strong magnetic fields and radio waves are used to produce detailed scans of the soft tissue of the affected joint
If these tests don’t find anything it may be necessary to take a direct look at the inside of the joint.
An arthroscopy can also be used to assess the level of joint damage resulting from an injury, such as a sports injury, or from underlying conditions that can cause joint damage, such as:
- osteoarthritis - where, over time, the joint cartilage becomes damaged
- septic arthritis – where a joint becomes infected
Treating joint problems and conditions
Surgical instruments can be passed through an arthroscope, making it possible for an arthroscopy to be used to treat a range of joint problems and joint conditions. For example, an arthroscopy can be used to:
- repair damaged cartilage, tendons and ligaments
- remove small sections of bone or cartilage that have broken off and are loose within the joint
- drain away an excess build-up of synovial fluid (fluid that lubricates the joint)
Conditions that can be treated with arthroscopy include:
- Baker’s cyst - where synovial fluid builds up inside a joint, leading to stiffness and swelling
- frozen shoulder - where the shoulder joint becomes compressed, causing stiffness and pain
- arthrofibrosis – where excess scar tissue that has been caused by a previous injury disrupts the normal workings of the joint
- bone spurs – abnormal bone growths that can cause persistent pain
- synovitis – where the lining of the joint becomes inflamed
