A method is provided for assembling an arthroscopic probe which includes bending a linear image-transmitting optical fiber about a heated pivot point so that the distal end of the fiber is oblique to the proximal end. A lens is then attached to the distal face of the image-transmitting optical fiber by means of an adhesive and the resulting image path is positioned in a hollow needle with the lens exposed at the distal end and the optical fiber exposed at the proximal end. An illuminating optical fiber is also positioned in the needle adjacent the image path and the two are anchored therein by a curable filler material. Finally, the needle is proximally mounted in a base such that the proximal faces of the image-transmitting and illuminating optical fibers are exposed.