Arthroscopic Debridement Arthroscopic debridement is a procedure for treating degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis. It provides temporary relief of pain in affected joints and increases range of motion by removing loose pieces of cartilage that break away and float around inside the joint. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for removal of this debris that is thought to cause inflammation and pain. Common sites of osteoarthritis include the hip, knee, shoulder, and elbow. Arthroscopy permits a small camera and instruments to be inserted into the joint through several small incisions made by the surgeon. The arthroscopic surgery camera is attached to a fiberoptic light source and shows a picture of the inside of the joint on a television monitor. The surgeon uses water under pressure to "inflate" the joint allowing more flexibility and to remove any debris. One or more other incisions are made to insert instruments that can treat the underlying problem. The procedure may be done in an outpatient surgical center under local anesthesia with IV sedation, or under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Patients should consult their surgeon for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.