Osteoarthritis, known as wear arthritis, is a condition in which the joints between the natural damping - the cartilage - wears out. When this happens, the bones of the joints rub more tightly against each other for less dampening benefits. Friction causes pain, swelling, stiffness, decreased ability to move, and sometimes the formation of bone spurs. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Although it can occur in young people, the risk of developing osteoarthritis increases after 45 years. Women are more likely to suffer from osteoarthritis than men. The diagnosis of knee osteoarthritis will begin with a physical exam by your doctor. Your doctor will also take your medical history and note any symptoms. Make sure to note what makes the pain worse or better to help your doctor determine if osteoarthritis, or something else, may be causing your pain. Also find out if anyone else in your family has arthritis Arthroscopy uses a small telescope (arthroscope) and other small instruments. The surgery is performed through small incisions. The surgeon uses the arthroscope to see into the joint space. Once there, the surgeon can remove damaged cartilage or loose particles, clean the bone surface, and repair other types of tissue if those damages are discovered. The procedure is often used on younger patients ( ages 55 and younger) in order to delay more serious surgery.