What is the purpose of an arthroscopy?

An arthroscopy is primarily designed as a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure focused on joint problems. During this procedure, a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the joint through a small incision, which allows the physician to visualize the interior of the joint. This visualization aids in diagnosing various conditions such as tears in the cartilage or ligaments, and it also allows for the direct treatment of some issues, such as removing loose bodies or repairing damaged tissues.

The minimally invasive aspect is significant as it typically results in less tissue damage, reduced recovery time, and often less postoperative pain compared to traditional open surgeries. This contrasts with the other options, which describe procedures that either focus on different surgical goals, such as joint replacement, bone grafting, or spinal fusion, rather than the specific indications and advantages of arthroscopy.