[Arthroscopic treatment for osteoarthritis: knee and shoulder]

We discuss the role of arthroscopy in the treatment of knee and shoulder osteoarthritis. The most widely used arthroscopic techniques used in these joints for the treatment of osteoarthritis are arthroscopic lavage, arthroscopic debridement, abrasion arthrosplasty and microfractures. Even though arthroscopic techniques are only useful for a specific group of patients and that the procedure does not modify disease's natural history, it is an accessible therapeutic option.