A twisted knee on the soccer field, a shoulder that jams while you lift a box at work, or a hip that catches when you step out of the car can lead to the same question: can this be fixed without a large incision? For many injuries, arthroscopy may be the answer. Here are the hip, knee, and shoulder injuries arthroscopic surgery can address, and when another approach makes more sense.
What Arthroscopic Surgery Involves
During arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera called an arthroscope into your joint. The camera displays pictures on a monitor that guide miniature instruments, and because the camera and instruments are thin, very small incisions can be used instead of the larger incision open surgery needs.1 This typically results in less pain and joint stiffness and often shortens the time it takes to return to your favorite activities.1 Our practice focuses on minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder.
Knee Injuries Treated With Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy can address many of the injuries you may face in sports, at work, or in daily life. Common arthroscopic knee procedures include partial removal, repair, or transplantation of a torn meniscus, reconstruction of a torn ACL or PCL, removal of inflamed synovial tissue, and trimming or reconstruction of damaged articular cartilage.1 If you have ACL tears or a meniscus tear that may be saved with meniscal repair surgery, arthroscopy is often the starting point.
Shoulder Injuries Treated With Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of problems that damage your rotator cuff tendons, labrum, articular cartilage, and other soft tissues.2 Common procedures include rotator cuff repair, removal or repair of the labrum, repair of ligaments, removal of inflamed tissue or loose cartilage, and repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation.2 If your shoulder has dislocated and torn the labrum, an arthroscopic Bankart repair can address that tear, and SLAP tears of the upper labrum are another injury we evaluate. A torn biceps tendon near the shoulder may be treated with proximal biceps tenodesis.
Hip Injuries Treated With Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy is not as common as knee or shoulder arthroscopy, but it has been performed for many years.3 It can treat femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, snapping hip syndromes, synovitis, loose bodies, and tendon problems involving the hamstrings or the gluteus medius or minimus muscles.3 If your labrum is torn but repairable, hip labral repair aims to restore the seal around your hip socket.
Work Injuries and Arthroscopic Care
Joint injuries do not only happen in sports. If you hurt your shoulder, knee, or hip on the job, our workers compensation program at the OrthoIllinois Occupational Health Center provides evaluation and treatment planned around your work goals and a safe return to your job.
When Arthroscopy Is Not the Best Fit
Arthroscopy is not right for every injury. Recurrent shoulder instability caused by a bony Bankart lesion may call for the Latarjet procedure, which is performed through a larger incision, and a knee that is overloaded by poor alignment may need a knee osteotomy. For widespread cartilage damage, cartilage restoration or other procedures may be considered. Many injuries improve without surgery, and arthroscopy is generally considered when a painful condition does not respond to nonsurgical treatment such as rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections.2
Recovery After Arthroscopic Surgery
Small incisions often mean less pain, but the repaired tissue inside your joint still needs time to heal. Although recovery from arthroscopy is often faster than recovery from open surgery, it may still take weeks to months for a joint such as your shoulder to completely recover.2 Our rehabilitation protocols and postoperative instructions guide you through each stage. If you live in Crystal Lake, our Rockford and Elgin offices are both available for your follow up care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is arthroscopic surgery less painful than open surgery?
Arthroscopy usually causes less pain and joint stiffness than open surgery because the incisions are very small.1 It also often shortens the time it takes to return to your favorite activities.1
Which joints can be treated with arthroscopy?
Our arthroscopic care focuses on your hip, knee, and shoulder. Knee and shoulder arthroscopy are more common, and hip arthroscopy has also been performed for many years.3
Is arthroscopic surgery done as an outpatient procedure?
In many cases, yes. If you are generally healthy, your knee or hip arthroscopy will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure, so you will not need to stay overnight.1,3
Can arthroscopy fix a torn ACL?
Yes, reconstruction of a torn ACL is one of the common arthroscopic knee procedures.1 We review your injury, goals, and activity level to decide whether reconstruction is right for you.
Where can I find an arthroscopic surgeon if I live in Crystal Lake?
If you live in Crystal Lake, you can see us at our Elgin office at 1550 N Randall Rd or our Rockford office at 324 Roxbury Rd for your hip, knee, or shoulder injury.
Explore Your Options for Joint Injury Care
A joint injury can feel like a setback, but knowing exactly what is damaged is the first step toward the right repair. Whether you are in Rockford, Elgin, or Crystal Lake, you can book a visit with our team or call (779) 774-1110 to discuss whether arthroscopy fits your injury.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Knee Arthroscopy. OrthoInfo. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Shoulder Arthroscopy. OrthoInfo. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/shoulder-arthroscopy/
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hip Arthroscopy. OrthoInfo. Accessed November 6, 2026. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/hip-arthroscopy/
AUTHOR: Geoffrey Van Thiel, MD, MBA – Orthopedic Sports Medicine Surgeon
Geoffrey Van Thiel, MD, MBA is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and arthroscopic surgery of the hip, knee, and shoulder. Widely recognized as a leader in orthopedic sports medicine, he has authored more than 100 peer-reviewed publications and delivered over 200 international presentations. His practice combines cutting-edge surgical innovation with compassionate, patient-centered care focused on restoring active lifestyles.
Credentials & Education
Dr. Van Thiel earned his medical degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine and completed a Master of Business Administration at the UCLA School of Business. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, one of the nation’s top training programs. He remained at Rush to complete fellowship training in orthopedic sports medicine and hip arthroscopy and continues to serve on faculty, contributing to research and surgeon education.
Clinical Expertise
Dr. Van Thiel has collaborated with internationally recognized surgeons on advancements in hip arthroscopy, cartilage restoration, knee ligament reconstruction, and shoulder arthroscopy. He serves as a consultant for leading orthopedic device companies and frequently lectures and trains surgeons on innovative techniques. He is actively involved with the Multicenter Arthroscopic Study of the Hip (MASH), serves on editorial boards for major orthopedic journals, is a surgeon educator for AANA and AOSSM, and chairs the Outcomes Committee for OrthoForum.
Dr. Van Thiel believes that exceptional orthopedic care requires not only advanced technology and precision but also compassion and humility in every patient interaction.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. For diagnosis and treatment recommendations, please consult with Dr. Van Thiel or another qualified orthopedic specialist.
Content authored by Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel and verified against official sources.
