What does the term "arthroscopy" mean?

Arthroscopy refers to a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows a physician to visualize, diagnose, and treat conditions within a joint. During this procedure, a specialized instrument called an arthroscope, which is equipped with a camera and light, is inserted into the joint through a small incision. This enables the surgeon to see the interior of the joint on a monitor, facilitating accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of various joint issues, such as tears in cartilage or ligaments, loose fragments, and signs of arthritis.

The other options pertain to different aspects of joint care and treatment but do not accurately define arthroscopy. Joint replacement involves surgically removing a damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial joint, while immobilization techniques typically use braces or splints to stabilize a joint. Joint injections, often involving corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid, are procedures to alleviate pain and inflammation but do not involve visualization or treatment of the internal structures of a joint like arthroscopy does. Thus, the precise definition of arthroscopy as a surgical procedure for visualizing and treating joint conditions makes the correct answer clear.