What is the difference between diagnostic and therapeutic arthroscopy?

Diagnostic arthroscopy is performed primarily to inspect the inside of a joint and identify the cause of symptoms, while therapeutic arthroscopy is used to treat a diagnosed problem.

Both involve inserting an arthroscope through a small incision so that the surgeon can see the joint on a monitor.

Diagnostic arthroscopy

It may be used to evaluate:

• Cartilage damage
• Meniscus injuries
• Ligament damage
• Loose bodies
• Unexplained joint symptoms
• Problems not clearly identified by imaging

However, modern MRI and other imaging techniques mean that purely diagnostic arthroscopy is used less frequently than in the past.

Therapeutic arthroscopy

During therapeutic arthroscopy, the surgeon may perform procedures such as:

• Meniscus repair
• ACL reconstruction
• Rotator cuff repair
• Labral repair
• Removal of loose fragments
• Treatment of selected cartilage injuries
• Stabilisation procedures for recurrent shoulder dislocation

Can diagnosis and treatment happen during the same procedure?

Yes.

The surgeon first examines the joint arthroscopically and may then treat the identified condition during the same procedure when appropriate.

At ASIC Clinic, Dr. Atul Mishra uses arthroscopy primarily as a treatment technique for suitable knee, shoulder, ligament, and sports injuries after clinical examination and imaging have established the likely diagnosis.