Degree

Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Major(s)

Biomedical Engineering

Document Type

Immediate Open Access

Abstract

The arthroscope was a revolutionary development in the fields of medicine, engineering, and ethics. There are many valuable lessons to be learned from the story of its development and translation that are relevant to the future of medicine and society. Beginning with a brief description of the tool’s design, this paper will examine a period within the history of the arthroscope. This window contains multiple innovators and ends with the life and work of Dr. Robert Jackson. In examining the relevant historical facts of its development, this paper will then briefly address the importance of sports medicine in the development of the arthroscope and proceed to a discussion of the medical ethics involved. The concept of invasiveness will then be defined and explained to understand the ethical fluctuations caused by this surgical instrument. Lastly, Dr. John Bickle’s model for analyzing neuroscientific research tools will be compared to the development of the arthroscope in order to discover ways in which its development can inform future innovations. Beginning with this instrument’s translation from Japan to North America, analyzing its impact on shifting ethical definitions, and concluding with a foray into metascientific details of tool development, this paper will look down the metaphorical barrel of the arthroscope to reveal how its translation provides valuable insight into the future.

Date Defended

4-22-2026

Thesis Director

Dr. John Bickle

Second Committee Member

Dr. Courtney Thompson

Third Committee Member

Dr. Christian Flow

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Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.54718/TSHI7381