Wiki Arthroscopic Vs Open

[Partha]

How do we determine whether a procedure is Arthroscopic or Open - if provider dictates something similar to:

"surgical portal was made arthroscopically, but it was found to be very loose and dull, so one of the portals were extended and sharp dissection was carried down through the skin and subsq tissue."

 

[monica.evans]

I would consider this to be an open procedure. It began arthroscopically, but the provider was unable to complete the procedure that way.

 

[mbort]

This is arthroscopic converted to open procedure without a doubt.