Arthroscopic cartilage biopsy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes a small piece of joint cartilage for evaluation or future use. It is performed using an arthroscope, a small camera inserted into the joint through tiny incisions. In the knee, it is commonly used to help confirm cartilage injury patterns or to support cartilage restoration planning. The sample may be sent to a laboratory for analysis or prepared for cell-based cartilage repair pathways, depending on the case.

Arthroscopic osteochondral fixation is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to secure a piece of damaged joint surface back into place. It is most commonly discussed in the knee, where cartilage and the underlying bone can crack or separate after injury. The goal is to preserve the patient’s own cartilage when a fragment is repairable. It is performed using an arthroscope, a small camera inserted through small incisions.

Arthroscopic lavage is the controlled flushing of a joint with sterile fluid during arthroscopy. It is most commonly discussed in the context of the knee but can be used in other joints. The main goal is to irrigate the joint space to improve visualization and help clear unwanted material. It may be performed as part of a diagnostic arthroscopy, a therapeutic procedure, or both.

Arthroscopic debridement is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to “clean up” a joint. It is most commonly discussed in the context of the knee, but it can be performed in other joints too. The surgeon uses a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments through small incisions. The goal is to remove or smooth damaged tissue that may be contributing to symptoms.

Arthroscopic notchplasty is a knee arthroscopy technique that reshapes and widens the intercondylar notch of the femur. It typically involves removing small amounts of bone and/or soft tissue that may crowd the space where the ACL sits. It is most often discussed in the context of ACL reconstruction, revision surgery, or notch narrowing (stenosis). The overall goal is to reduce mechanical “impingement” (unwanted contact) inside the knee.

Arthroscopic MPFL reconstruction is a surgical approach used to improve kneecap (patella) stability. It reconstructs the medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL), a key soft-tissue restraint that helps prevent the patella from sliding outward. The procedure is often described as “arthroscopic-assisted” because a camera (arthroscope) may be used to evaluate the joint while ligament work is done through small incisions. It is most commonly used for recurrent patellar instability or repeated dislocations.

Arthroscopic lateral release is a minimally invasive knee procedure performed with a small camera (arthroscope). It involves cutting or “releasing” tight tissue on the outer (lateral) side of the kneecap (patella). Its goal is to reduce excessive lateral pull or pressure of the patella in the groove of the thigh bone (trochlea). It is most commonly discussed in the setting of patellofemoral pain, patellar maltracking, or selected cartilage problems.

Arthroscopic microfracture is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to treat certain cartilage injuries in a joint. It is most commonly performed in the knee, but it can be used in other joints as well. The goal is to stimulate the body to form new cartilage-like repair tissue in a localized damaged area. It is typically considered for focal cartilage defects rather than widespread arthritis.

Arthroscopic loose body removal is a minimally invasive surgery to remove free-floating fragments inside a joint. These fragments are often called “loose bodies” and can be bone, cartilage, or a mix of both. The procedure is commonly performed in the knee, but it can also be used in other joints. It is typically done to reduce mechanical catching, locking, swelling, or pain caused by the fragments.

Arthroscopic chondroplasty is a minimally invasive knee procedure that smooths and stabilizes damaged joint cartilage. It is performed with an arthroscope (a small camera) through small incisions. The goal is to treat rough or unstable cartilage surfaces that can irritate the joint. It is commonly used in sports medicine and general orthopedics for selected cartilage wear or injury.