Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small fiberoptic telescope (arthroscope*) is inserted into a joint. Fluid is then inserted into the joint to distend the joint and to allow for the visualization of the structures within that joint. Usually the surgery is viewed on a monitor so that the whole operating team is aware of the type of surgical procedure that is being performed.

*Greek: arthron = articulati; skopein = to examine

Knee Arthroscopy - Arthroscopy: What is it? (The Center for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine)

Arthroscopy - The Journal of Arthroscopy and Related Surgery