A-Z Health Guide from WebMD: Medical Tests

		Surgery Overview
		What To Expect After Surgery
		Why It Is Done
		How Well It Works
		Risks
		What To Think About
		References

Arthroscopy for rheumatoid arthritis

Surgery Overview

Arthroscopy is a type of joint surgery in which a thin tube with a light source (called an arthroscope) is inserted into the joint through a small incision in the skin, allowing the health professional to see the inside of the joint. Instruments are inserted through other small incisions to work on the joint. Surgery will not cure rheumatoid arthritis or stop the disease progress, but it may improve function and provide some pain relief.¹

What To Expect After Surgery

Arthroscopy usually does not require an overnight stay in the hospital. Following the procedure, the joint should be used as infrequently as possible for several days after surgery. Crutches may be needed if the foot or knee joint was examined, depending on the extent of the procedure and the doctor's preference.

Why It Is Done

This procedure is used in large joints for diagnosis and/or treatment. Procedures done with arthroscopy include:¹

• Cleansing and removing debris from the joint (irrigation).
• Removing any free-floating pieces of bone or cartilage from the joint.
• Smoothing out rough or irregular joint surfaces.
• Limited removal of inflamed tissues (synovectomy) in larger joints.

This procedure may not be appropriate if joint destruction is severe.

How Well It Works

Arthroscopy temporarily relieves pain and sometimes eases joint movement but does little to slow the progression of the disease.

Risks

Risks of arthroscopy include the risks of surgery and using anesthetic and a slight risk of infection and bleeding within the joint.

What To Think About

Arthroscopy does little to change the underlying disease process. Recurrence of pain and other symptoms is likely, but arthroscopy may provide temporary relief.

Complete the surgery information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this surgery.

References

Citations

1. Firestein GS (2002). Rheumatoid arthritis. In DC Dale, DD Federman, eds., Scientific American Medicine, vol. 3, part 15, chap. 2, pp. 1–15. New York: Scientific American.

Credits

Author	Kerry V. Cooke
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Tracy Landauer
Primary Medical Reviewer	Renée M. Crichlow, MD - Family Medicine
Primary Medical Reviewer	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
Last Updated	August 27, 2004

To	back to the top

Arthroscopy for rheumatoid arthritis

Previous  |  Next

Last updated: August 27, 2004

	Print-Friendly Version

© 1995-2006, Healthwise, Incorporated, P.O. Box 1989, Boise, ID 83701. All Rights Reserved.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor.