Orthopedic surgery pioneered in the early 1950s by Dr. Masaki Watanabe of Japan to perform minimally invasive cartilage surgery and reconstructions of torn ligaments. Arthroscopy allows patients to recover from the surgery in a matter of days, rather than the weeks to months required by conventional, 'open' surgery. It is a very popular technique. Knee arthroscopy is one of the most common operations performed by orthopedic surgeons today and is often combined with meniscectomy or chondroplasty. The majority of upper extremity outpatient orthopedic procedures are now performed arthroscopically. Arthroplasty is an orthopedic surgery where the articular surface of a musculoskeletal joint is
Arthroscopy Association of North America Arthroscopy Association of North America The Arthroscopy Association of North America (AANA) is an Accredited Council for Continuing Medical Education approved organization which exists to promote, encourage, support and foster through continuing medical education functions, the development and dissemination of knowledge in the discipline of arthroscopic surgery. This is done to improve on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and injuries of the musculo-skeletal system. The objectives of AANA are met by continually assessing and evaluating the resources needed to implement the mission. The established mechanisms in place to accomplish the mission include a monitored membership process, a membership driven