AVORS Medical Group and Dr. Kofi Agyeman deliver advanced arthroscopic care in Lancaster, CA—knee, shoulder, hip, and more—with 4K visualization for faster recovery.

Why this matters

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat joint problems through tiny incisions using a camera (“arthroscope”) and pencil‑thin instruments. It’s commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, and ankle, and often lets patients go home the same day.

What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy uses a slender camera to see inside a joint and specialized instruments to repair damage—all through small incisions. Compared with traditional open surgery, arthroscopy typically means smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery. Most procedures are outpatient, so you’ll usually go home the same day.

Joints Dr. Agyeman treats with arthroscopy:

• Shoulder: rotator cuff tears, SLAP/labral tears, impingement.
• Elbow: tennis elbow, stiffness, cartilage or ligament injuries.
• Wrist: chronic pain, ligament repairs; some nerve compression syndromes (e.g., carpal tunnel) are treated with minimally invasive endoscopic techniques.

Meet Your Surgeon: Dr. Kofi Agyeman at AVORS Medical Group

Dr. Kofi Agyeman, MD is a board‑certified, fellowship‑trained orthopedic surgeon with expertise in shoulder & elbow and minimally invasive arthroscopy. He completed his orthopedic training at the University of Miami and advanced fellowship at the University of Washington. At AVORS, he blends surgical precision with a patient‑first, streamlined care experience for individuals across the Antelope Valley.

AVORS Medical Group has served the community since 2007 with comprehensive musculoskeletal care—including orthopedics, trauma, rehabilitation, and total joints—at our Lancaster location

What to Expect: Before, During, and After

Before surgery

• Pre‑op evaluation may include labs/EKG, imaging, and a review of medications (some are paused before anesthesia). Most arthroscopies are outpatient, so arrange a ride home.

During surgery

• After anesthesia (local, regional, or general), we make two to four small incisions, fill the joint with sterile fluid for clarity, insert the camera, and use specialized tools to repair tissue.

After surgery

• Most patients head home within a couple of hours and start gentle motion early. Return‑to‑sport timing depends on the procedure, but many knee scopes target 8–16 weeks for sport‑specific activity under guided rehab; desk‑based work often resumes sooner as comfort allows.

Risks, Safety, and When to Call

Arthroscopy is considered safe, but risks exist with any surgery:

• Infection risk after knee arthroscopy is low (large U.S. database studies report ≈0.25–0.28% within 90 days). Risk is higher with certain factors (e.g., diabetes, obesity, tobacco use).
• Other potential issues include blood clots (DVT/PE), persistent swelling or stiffness, nerve irritation, or need for additional surgery—rare but important to discuss.

Red flags after surgery: fever or chills, calf pain/swelling, increasing redness/warmth, significant wound drainage, or escalating pain—call us promptly if these occur.

Shoulder, Elbow, and Wrist —In Brief

• Shoulder arthroscopy: rotator cuff and labral (SLAP) repairs, impingement decompression, instability procedures.
• Elbow arthroscopy: debridement for cartilage lesions, treatment of stiffness, some tendinous problems (e.g., tennis elbow).
• Wrist arthroscopy: TFCC/ligament repairs, evaluation of chronic pain; carpal tunnel is often managed with minimally invasive endoscopic techniques. 

Why Choose AVORS Medical Group in Lancaster

• Experienced subspecialty surgical care close to home.
• Advanced visualization (e.g., Arthrex Synergy Vision™ and Stryker 1688 AIM 4K) that supports precise, tissue‑sparing techniques and efficient OR workflow.
• A patient‑first process—from scheduling through rehab—led by Dr. Kofi Agyeman and the AVORS team.

FAQs

Will I be asleep for arthroscopy?

Not always. Depending on the joint and procedure, anesthesia can be local, regional, or general—we’ll choose the safest, most comfortable option for you.

Will I need crutches or a sling?

Often yes, for comfort and protection, especially after knee or shoulder repairs. Specifics depend on what we did in surgery and your therapy plan.

How soon will I feel “normal”?

Soreness improves over days to weeks. Full return to sports or heavy work depends on the structure treated—plan on a structured rehab program, with sport‑level activity commonly in the 8–16 week range after many knee scopes.

Next step

If joint pain is limiting your life, we’re here to help. Request an evaluation with Dr. Kofi Agyeman and the AVORS team in Lancaster to discuss whether arthroscopy or another approach is right for you.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery Today

Pain should not control your life. At AVORS Medical Group, our orthopedic health care clinic in Lancaster, CA, is ready to help you move forward. Call (661) 726-5005 today or visit our contact page for orthopedic care to schedule your appointment. 

This article is for educational purposes and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. Please discuss your specific condition and options with your surgeon.