Focus Area: Arthroscopy | Minimally Invasive Joint Surgery | Knee, Shoulder & Ankle Arthroscopy | Guadalajara & Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows orthopedic surgeons to examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments inserted through tiny incisions. Commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, and elbow, arthroscopy can address issues such as torn cartilage, ligament damage, inflamed joint linings, and loose bone or cartilage fragments, often with less pain, scarring, and downtime than traditional open surgery. At SportMed, arthroscopic procedures are performed as part of a broader treatment plan that includes accurate diagnosis, precise surgical technique, and structured rehabilitation.

Are You a Candidate for Arthroscopy?

• Persistent joint pain, swelling, or catching/locking sensations that haven't improved with rest or physiotherapy
• A suspected or diagnosed meniscus tear, labral tear, or ligament injury confirmed by imaging
• Loose bodies (bone or cartilage fragments) causing mechanical symptoms within a joint
• Chronic joint inflammation (synovitis) that has not responded to conservative treatment
• A need for precise diagnosis when imaging results are inconclusive

Why Choose SportMed for Arthroscopy

• FIFA & FIMS certified expertise: arthroscopic protocols follow internationally recognized standards for sports and orthopedic surgery.
• Led by Dr. Francisco Arroyo: 25+ years of experience in orthopedic and arthroscopic surgery.
• Minimally invasive technique: smaller incisions typically mean less pain, reduced scarring, and a quicker return to daily activity compared with open surgery.
• Coordinated rehabilitation: physiotherapy begins early and is tailored to the specific joint and procedure performed.
• Two accessible locations: Guadalajara and Nuevo Vallarta, with bilingual coordination for international patients.

Your Treatment Journey

1. Initial Evaluation: physical examination and imaging review to determine whether arthroscopy is appropriate for your condition.
2. Surgical Planning: your surgeon explains the specific procedure, expected findings, and what arthroscopy can address in your case.
3. Arthroscopic Procedure: performed through small incisions using a camera and specialized instruments, typically on an outpatient basis.
4. Early Recovery: guidance on weight-bearing, movement, and pain management in the days following surgery.
5. Guided Rehabilitation: a structured physiotherapy program restores strength, range of motion, and joint stability.
6. Return to Activity: a supervised, gradual progression back to sport, work, or daily activities.

What Results Can You Expect?

Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, many patients experience less post-operative pain and a faster initial recovery than with open surgery, often resuming light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery and return to sport or physically demanding activity typically take longer, depending on the joint involved, the procedure performed, and adherence to rehabilitation. SportMed emphasizes realistic, condition-specific timelines developed with your surgical team.

Real Patients, Real Recoveries

Don't just take our word for it, hear directly from patients we've helped get back to the activities they love, in the Patient Stories section of our homepage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which joints can be treated with arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is most commonly used on the knee and shoulder, but it can also be used to evaluate and treat the ankle, hip, elbow, and wrist, depending on the condition being addressed.

Is arthroscopy the same as open surgery?

No. Arthroscopy uses a small camera and instruments inserted through tiny incisions rather than a single large incision, which often results in less tissue disruption, though some conditions may still require open surgery.

How long does recovery from arthroscopy take?

Recovery varies by joint and procedure. Many patients return to light daily activity within a few weeks, while a full return to sport or demanding physical work can take longer and depends on structured rehabilitation.

Can international patients have arthroscopic surgery at SportMed?

Yes. SportMed's Guadalajara and Nuevo Vallarta centers regularly support patients traveling from abroad, with bilingual staff helping coordinate evaluation, surgery, and rehabilitation around your travel plans.