One of the most minimally invasive techniques for examining the knee joint is arthroscopy. During knee arthroscopy, an orthopedic surgeon inserts a small endoscopic instrument into the knee through a small incision. The camera at the end of the tool allows doctors to see joint damage on a screen in the operating room. The doctor can even fix joint damage during a knee arthroscopy procedure; all the surgeon needs to do is make another small incision to access the damage with repair tools. In the US and UK, knee arthroscopy costs about $9,000 or £6,500. In Latin America and other locations abroad, this procedure costs much less.

In Mexico and Panama, knee artrhoscopy costs about $3,300 or £2,500. In Costa Rica and Argentina, the cost is even lower at $1,900 or £1,300. Orthopedic surgeons in Latin America study medicine in some of the best schools in the US and UK, where they learn the most advanced techniques for joint examination. Hospitals are equipped with the latest instrumentation and imaging devices. Before the procedure, the doctor will carefully examine the patient's leg from the outside to determine where to make the incision. During the knee arthroscopy, the surgeon will thoroughly investigate the extent of the damage in the knee cap. If it is minor damage that can be repaired on the spot, the doctor will fix it during the arthroscopy. Otherwise the patient can schedule repair surgery. Patients are cared for by compassionate nurses and doctors who speak English, and who are happy to answer questions.