1. An inspection of the inside of a joint of the body using an endoscope.
2. A minimally invasive operation to repair a damaged joint.

The surgeon examines the joint with an arthroscope while making repairs through a small incision.

3. An alternative to surgical incision and creation of an open surgical wound.

The procedure may be done under either local or general anesthesia, but infection, bleeding into the joint, swelling, rupture of the synovium, thrombophlebitis, and joint injury are possible.