Arthroscopy is a type of endoscopic surgery where a joint is visualized and treated. With patient under a suitable anaesthesia, a small telescope is introduced into the joint to be examined. A camera attached at the other end of this telescope. It transmits the images on a viewing monitor and the procedure is performed looking at the images seen as the telescope moves inside the joint.

For introduction of this telescope and other instruments, a couple of small nicks or stab holes are made over the skin measuring from 5 mm to about 1.5 cm. After the sugery a stich or two is required to seal the wound. This makes the surgery cosmetically desirable. Also, lesser soft tissue cutting and handling enables faster recovery and rehabilitation as compared to an open procedure.