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Arthroscopy is an important diagnostic procedure which can be used in rheumatology practice to provide direct visualization of the joint cavity, permitting macroscopic evaluation of the synovium, sampling for histopathologic and microbiologic examination and the potential therapeutic benefit of lavage. The term 'medical arthroscopy' is used here to refer to arthroscopy performed by rheumatologists for these purposes. This term differentiates arthroscopy performed by orthopedic surgeons for structural interventions such as meniscal debridement and ligament repair. Medical arthroscopy finds a place in rheumatology as an aid to diagnosis, to confirm the presence of synovitis when not expected, to provide histologic or microbiologic diagnosis, and potential stratification for therapy, for example in rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a range of other research purposes. It is performed with local anesthetic using a small bore arthroscope, most usually inserted into the knee, although the wrist and metacarpophalangeal joints may also be inspected in this way. In experienced hands it is well tolerated, safe and complications are comparable to those reported by orthopedic surgeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]