Short answer: Yes. Arthroscopy is minimally invasive surgery performed through small incisions to diagnose and/or treat problems inside a joint. Surgeons use an arthroscope (a camera with a light) and long, thin instruments to operate. 

What Arthroscopy Involves

During arthroscopy, the surgeon:

1. makes one or more tiny incisions;

2. inserts the arthroscope to view the joint on a monitor;

3. fills the joint with sterile fluid to create space; and

4. uses additional small incisions to insert instruments and perform repairs (e.g., removing loose fragments, smoothing cartilage, repairing torn tissues).

Why It’s Still “Surgery”

Arthroscopy requires surgical sterility, is performed in an operating room or outpatient surgical suite, and uses anesthesia (local, regional/spinal, or general). Because it involves incisions and operative treatment, it is unequivocally a surgical procedure—even though the cuts are small. 

Common Joints and Problems Treated

Arthroscopy is most frequently performed on the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, wrist, and elbow. Conditions include meniscus or labral tears, impingement, instability, loose bodies, synovitis, and some ligament injuries. 

Setting, Anesthesia, and Length

Most arthroscopies are outpatient procedures (home the same day). Anesthesia options vary by joint and procedure; your team will discuss whether local, regional, or general anesthesia is appropriate. Typical operative time is about 1–2 hours, plus time in recovery.

Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery is usually faster than open surgery, but the timeline depends on the joint and what was repaired. Full recovery can range from about one week to several months; physical therapy is often part of the plan. Small wounds typically heal within 1–2 weeks. nhs.ukCleveland Clinic

Benefits and Risks

Benefits often include smaller incisions, less blood loss, less postoperative pain, and quicker return to activities compared with open surgery. Risks are uncommon but can include blood clots, infection, stiffness, nerve or vessel injury, or persistent symptoms depending on the condition treated.

Arthroscopy vs. Open Surgery

Arthroscopy is not “minor” in the sense of being trivial; it is real surgery with meaningful recovery and risks. The “minimally invasive” advantage is that it often achieves the surgical goal with less tissue disruption than a traditional open procedure, which can improve recovery time.