before going to knee replacement surgery your doctor may recommend arthroscopy. a surgeon will insert a thin scope through a small incision to view the inside of your knee. damaged knee cartilage can be removed (called debridement) and the knee can be cleaned or flushed (lavage or irrigation) to remove loose bone or cartilage pieces that may be causing pain. arthroscopy may provide temporary relief from pain or delay the need for more invasive surgery.
how does arthroscopic surgery help osteoarthritis?