Large incisions are no longer required in order to operate on joints. Thanks to keyhole surgery, incisions are now usually just a few millimetres long.  Very fine instruments and a camera are inserted through the incision, which the surgeon operates via a monitor. Such operations are called endoscopies or arthroscopies.  Arthroscopic* techniques cause minimal invasion and virtually no pain. The healing process is quicker and, in addition, large joint operations can be performed without leaving ugly scars.

Most of our arthroscopies are knee operations, but our range of arthroscopic surgery also includes shoulder and ankle operations. Arthroscopies can also be used to remove meniscal tears, or if possible repair them. Arthrosis** is treated using all state-of-the-art techniques. Fibrocartilage in the damaged joints can be replaced, for example, even when the cartilage is severely damaged.  In individual cases cartilage bone cylinders from the patient's own body can be transplanted to cover the entire damaged cartilage area.

By choosing the right method for each individual patient, treatment is very successful in most cases and joint functions can be improved to an extent that patients can even take up sport again, if they wish. Tears in the anterior cruciate ligament are common sports accidents and can also be repaired by arthroscopy*, causing minimum pain and inconvenience. Since a suture is generally not very successful in these cases, the ligament is reconstructed using the body's own tendons. This enables patients to regain the stamina and resilience they need for their sport. 

*  arthroscopic surgery and techniques:   a surgical technique carried out through a small incision (keyhole) using an illuminated camera

** Arthrosis:  Degeneration of the joints

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