How does arthroscopy affect the health of a problem knee? i have searched and all i have so far is what arthroscopy surgery is.

Ok, : Ok, it took me a while here is a list of the actual procedures. Arthroscopic knee procedures: treatment of intercondylar spine(s) and/or tuberosity fracture(s) of the knee, treatment of tibial fracture arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral autograft(s) arthroscopy, knee, surgical; osteochondral allograft (e.g., mosaicplasty) arthroscopy, knee, surgical; meniscal transplantation arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lateral release arthroscopy, knee, surgical; for removal of loose body or foreign body arthroscopy, knee, surgical; synovectomy, limited arthroscopy, knee, surgical; debridement/shaving of articular cartilage arthroscopy, knee, surgical; abrasion arthroplasty (includes chondroplasty where necessary) or multiple drilling or microfracture arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscus repair arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with lysis of adhesions, with or without manipulation arthroscopically aided anterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction arthroscopically aided posterior cruciate ligament repair/augmentation or reconstruction an arthroscopically aided acl repair/reconstruction includes the following: insertion of synthetic bone substitute bone matrix/methylmethacrylate, internal fixation of graft, notchplasty, insertion or placement of surgical drain, closure of wound and repair of tissues for initial surgical exposure. Harvesting of the graft (fascia, tendon or bone) even if performed through a separate incision meniscus trephination: drilling multiple holes in the torn part of the meniscus and/or joint capsule to promote healing. Anterior cruciate ligament debridement: debridement of fraying or tears of the ligament notchplasty: used to widen the anterior portion and recess of the roof of intercondylar notch typically involving removal of 3-5 mm of bone from the lateral femoral condyle. Bursectomy: removal of the bursa for pathology not associated with another procedure.

No affect on health: Not sure i truly understand your question. But addressing the problem will typically alleviate pain or add stability to your knee. Once you have an injured knee--with or without surgery--the "health" of your knee has been compromised; however surgery is meant to improve function of your knee and eliminate pain.