Can I watch my arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure used to look inside a joint with the aid of a camera. Most often done in the knee, arthroscopic surgery can also be done in shoulders, ankles, elbows, hips, and wrists. Not all surgery can be done arthroscopically, but the field is developing quickly, and more and more surgical procedures are being done through this minimally invasive technique.

Many patients want to know if they can watch their arthroscopic procedure. When I am performing arthroscopic knee surgery, I enjoy having patients watch the procedure on the television monitor. I think it helps a patient better understand the problem, and therefore it often helps the patient with their rehabilitation. Not all arthroscopic procedures, however, a suitable for patients to be awake. If knee arthroscopy will involve more than just meniscus work, then having the patient awake may not be appropriate.