Definition of Arthroscopic
Arthroscopic: Refers to a surgical
technique whereby a doctor inserts a tube-like instrument
into a joint to inspect, diagnose and repair tissues. It
is most commonly performed in patients with diseases of the
knees or shoulders. The word arthroscopic is often confused
with orthoscopic. Orthoscopic means having correct vision or producing it. Orthoscopic, in other words, means free
from optical distortion or designed to correct distorted
vision. This fits with the prefix "ortho-", meaning
straight or erect, and with "-scopic" from the Greek
"skopein", to see. Orthoscopic literally is to see
straight. Knee surgery performed with a small scope is
arthroscopic knee surgery, not orthoscopic knee surgery.
Last Editorial Review: 8/4/1998
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