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Although the inside of nearly all joints can be viewed with an arthroscope, six joints are most frequently examined with this instrument. These include the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist. As medical engineers make advances in electronic technology and orthopedic surgeons develop new techniques, other joints may be treated more frequently in the future.

Diagnosing joint injuries and disease begins with a thorough medical history, physical examination and usually X-rays. Additional diagnostic tests like an MRI or CT scan may also be needed. A final diagnosis is made through the arthroscope, which may be more accurate than a diagnosis reached from open surgery or X-rays.

Several disorders are treated with a combination of arthroscopic and standard surgery, including some problems associated with arthritis. Disease and injuries can also damage bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Some of the most frequent conditions found during arthroscopic examinations of joints are:

• Inflammation
• Synovitis: inflamed lining in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist or ankle
• Chronic and acute injuries
• Shoulders: rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome and recurrent dislocations
• Knees: cartilage tears, chondromalacia (wearing or injury of cartilage cushion) and ACL tears with instability
• Wrists: carpal tunnel syndrome
• Loose parts of bone or cartilage in the joint

The usual type of arthritis is osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease. It’s also known as wear-and-tear arthritis since the cartilage simply wears out.

When the cartilage wears away, bone rubs on bone, causing severe pain and disability. The most common reason for osteoarthritis is in our genes since the durability of each person’s cartilage is based on genetics.

Trauma can also lead to osteoarthritis. A bad fall or blow to the knee can injure the joint. If the injury does not heal properly, extra force may be placed on the joint, which, over time, can cause the cartilage to wear away.

Inflammatory arthritis is swelling and inflammation of the joint lining, causing a release of enzymes that soften and eventually destroy the cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis, Lupus and psoriatic arthritis are inflammatory conditions.