MM Medical • July 18, 2025

Is Arthroscopic Surgery the Right Choice for Joint Pain?

Minimally Invasive Joint Solutions from MM Medical in Forest Hills, NY

Living with joint pain isn’t just uncomfortable—it can become a barrier to your independence, your hobbies, and your ability to move freely. Whether it’s a torn meniscus, a rotator cuff injury, or cartilage wear that’s been slowly getting worse, the limitations can creep into every part of your day.

You might have tried rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, or even injections. But if your symptoms haven’t improved—or worse, they’ve progressed—it might be time to consider a more targeted solution.

That’s where arthroscopic surgery comes in. At MM Medical, we offer minimally invasive orthopedic care in Forest Hills, NY, using advanced arthroscopic techniques to treat a wide range of joint conditions with faster recovery and fewer complications than traditional open procedures.

So how do you know if arthroscopic surgery is right for you? Let’s walk through what it is, how it works, and who can benefit from it.

What Is Arthroscopic Surgery and How Does It Work?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to view, diagnose, and treat joint problems using a small camera (arthroscope) and precision tools inserted through tiny incisions. Unlike open surgery, which often requires large cuts and longer recovery time, arthroscopy allows for a more targeted approach with much less trauma to surrounding tissues.

Here’s how it works:

A small incision is made near the affected joint.
A pencil-sized camera is inserted, displaying high-resolution images on a monitor.
Specialized instruments are used to remove or repair damaged tissue inside the joint.

At MM Medical, our experienced orthopedic team uses arthroscopy to treat a range of joint issues while reducing post-operative pain, minimizing scarring, and accelerating recovery.

The benefits of this approach include:

Less downtime
Reduced risk of infection
Smaller scars
Quicker return to normal activities
Often performed as an outpatient procedure

If you’ve been told you may need joint surgery, arthroscopy could be a less invasive alternative with a smoother road to recovery.

Common Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery isn’t just one procedure—it’s a technique used to treat a wide variety of joint issues. At MM Medical, our team regularly uses arthroscopy to treat conditions in the shoulder, knee, and hip, as well as other joints like the elbow and ankle when appropriate.

🔹 Knee Arthroscopy

Torn meniscus
ACL or PCL injuries
Cartilage damage
Loose bone fragments
Synovial membrane inflammation

Knee arthroscopy is especially common in athletes and active adults. It allows for quicker rehab and is often used to avoid long-term damage from untreated tears or degeneration.

🔹 Shoulder Arthroscopy

Rotator cuff tears
Labral tears (SLAP lesions)
Impingement syndrome
Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)

For shoulder pain that hasn’t responded to therapy or injections, arthroscopic surgery can restore mobility and strength—particularly for people who rely on shoulder function for work or sports.

🔹 Hip Arthroscopy

Hip impingement (FAI)
Labral tears
Cartilage injuries
Loose bodies in the joint

Hip arthroscopy is a newer but highly effective treatment option, offering relief for persistent groin pain, stiffness, or mechanical catching in the hip.

Each case is unique. At MM Medical, we use high-resolution imaging and expert evaluation to determine whether arthroscopy is the most effective approach for your condition.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Arthroscopic Surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery isn’t just for professional athletes. In fact, it’s often recommended for adults of all activity levels who are experiencing joint pain that isn’t responding to conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medications.

You may be a good candidate if:

You’ve been living with persistent joint pain or stiffness
You’ve had mechanical symptoms (locking, catching, or giving out)
You’ve already tried physical therapy or injections without lasting relief
Your condition is preventing you from working, exercising, or enjoying daily life
Imaging has revealed a specific joint injury or degenerative issue

On the other hand, arthroscopy may not be recommended if your joint condition is too advanced for repair, or if you have underlying health issues that increase surgical risk. At MM Medical, we offer personalized consultations to help you weigh your options and understand the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Getting arthroscopic surgery at MM Medical is a streamlined process designed around your comfort and outcomes. Here’s what the journey looks like:

🟩 Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis

Our board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Mehran Manouel, will examine your joint, review your symptoms, and order imaging (like an MRI or ultrasound) as needed.

🟩 Step 2: Customized Treatment Plan

If arthroscopy is appropriate, we’ll design a surgical plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the procedure, risks, benefits, and what to expect during recovery.

🟩 Step 3: Outpatient Surgical Procedure

On surgery day, you’ll arrive at our Forest Hills facility. Most procedures are completed in under two hours, and you can typically go home the same day.

🟩 Step 4: Post-Op Recovery and Follow-Up

We provide detailed post-op instructions and coordinate any needed rehab referrals. Most patients begin light activity within 1–3 weeks and return to full activity within 2–3 months, depending on the joint and procedure.

Why Choose MM Medical for Arthroscopic Surgery?

When you’re considering surgery, experience and environment matter. MM Medical offers a patient-centered approach to orthopedic care backed by decades of surgical expertise.

Here’s why patients trust us:

Experienced Surgeon: Dr. Mehran Manouel brings over 20 years of arthroscopic surgery experience to the table.
Minimally Invasive Focus: We specialize in procedures that minimize trauma and recovery time.
Advanced Imaging & Diagnostics: Our on-site tools help ensure accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
Personalized Care Plans: Every procedure and recovery plan is tailored to the individual.
Proven Results: With over 1,600 patients treated and a 98% satisfaction rate, we’ve built a reputation for real outcomes.

Whether you’re an athlete or simply want to walk without pain, we treat your joint care journey with precision and compassion. Visit our arthroscopic surgery page to learn more or book a consultation.

Maintaining Results After Arthroscopic Surgery

Surgery is just the first step toward long-term relief. To get the best possible outcome, patients need a solid aftercare plan.

Here’s how we help you maintain your results:

Physical Therapy: Focused exercises rebuild strength and flexibility in the joint.
Lifestyle Adjustments: We offer guidance on movement habits, posture, and preventative strategies.
Rehabilitation Referrals: We connect you with trusted local physical therapists.
Ongoing Monitoring: We check in to ensure healing is on track and address any issues early.

The result? Many patients experience long-term improvements in function and pain relief—often avoiding the need for more invasive surgeries down the road.

FAQs About Arthroscopic Surgery

How long will I be out of work?

That depends on the joint and your job. Office workers often return within 1–2 weeks. More physically demanding jobs may require 4–6 weeks. We’ll give you a specific timeline during your post-op visit.

Is arthroscopic surgery painful?

Pain is typically mild to moderate and well managed with over-the-counter medication. Most patients report less pain than expected.

Will insurance cover arthroscopic surgery?

In most cases, yes. Arthroscopic surgery is considered medically necessary for many joint conditions and is typically covered by insurance. Our team can help verify coverage.

Will I need physical therapy?

Almost always. Rehab is essential to regaining strength, flexibility, and full range of motion.

What if surgery doesn’t solve the issue?

While rare, some complex joint problems may need further intervention. If that’s the case, we’ll walk you through all your options and next steps.

Conclusion: Is Arthroscopic Surgery Right for You?

If you’re tired of living with joint pain and ready to explore solutions that actually get to the root of the issue, arthroscopic surgery could be the answer. It’s fast, effective, and minimally invasive—especially when performed by experienced professionals who put your needs first.

At MM Medical, we deliver expert arthroscopic surgery in Forest Hills, NY, with a focus on precision, recovery, and long-term results. Whether it’s your knee, shoulder, or hip that’s been holding you back, we’re here to help you move forward—with less pain and more confidence.