ARTHROSCOPY SURGERY
Arthroscopy is a surgical intervention that is performed by Orthopedic surgeons for diagnosing and treating joint problems. In Arthroscopy, the Orthopaedic surgeon uses an instrument called Arthroscope to visualize and treat problems inside a joint.An arthroscope is a small, thin tube that is inserted into the patient’s body. A camera and light source are attached to the arthroscope that displays the view inside of the joint on a video monitor.
This procedure allows an orthopedic surgeon to see inside the joint, for example in the knee joint, the surgeon can have a detailed view of the cartilage, ligaments, and under the kneecap. Hence,the surgeon can determine the type or severity of injury and then repair accordingly if required.
Great thing about Arthroscopy is, it allows the surgeon to see inside the joint without making a large incision. Surgeons are able to treat some types of joint damages while arthroscopy itself.
It is a minor surgical procedure that can be done on an outpatient basis, patients do not need to stay overnight in the hospital.
Why is it done?
Arthroscopy is commonly used by Orthopedic surgeons to help diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions, most commonly those affecting the:
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Ankle
- Hip
- Wrist
.
Surgical procedures
Conditions treated with arthroscopy include:
- Loose bone fragments
- Damaged or torn cartilage
- Inflamed joint linings
- Torn ligaments
- Scarring within joints
Surgical procedures
Conditions treated with arthroscopy include:
- Loose bone fragments
- Damaged or torn cartilage
- Torn ligaments
- Inflamed joint linings
- Scarring within joints
Diagnostic procedures
Doctors recommend Arthroscopy in cases where X-rays and other imaging studies are not enough to answer all diagnostic questions.
Your bones, ligaments, ligaments, muscles, and tendons can all be damaged by some injury or ailment. Certain investigations are usually recommended by your orthopedic surgeon to diagnose the underlying cause for your condition along with physical examination. Such investigations may include x-rays and,for some conditions MRI, CT scan etc.After a thorough examination, the surgeon plans the line of treatment.But in a few conditions where the doctor feels the need to know more about the condition, in those cases Arthroscopy is recommended.
The following are common conditions treated with arthroscopic procedures:
- Synovitis: A condition that causes the tissues surrounding the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle joint to become inflamed.
- Shoulder impingement
- Rotator cuff tendon tears
- Meniscal tear in the knee joint
- Recurrent dislocation of the shoulder joint
- ACL (Anterior cruciate ligament) tear
- Loose bodies of bone in joints such as Knee, Shoulder, Elbow,or Wrist
- Repair or resection of torn cartilage in shoulder
- Release of the carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist joint
- Repair of torn ligaments
During the procedure
- Local anesthesia.
- Regional anesthesia.
- General anesthesia.
Recovery after arthroscopy
Typically a patient after arthroscopy is able to resume work and light activity in a few days. But it is advisable to engage in more strenuous activity a few weeks after that.Typically it takes several weeks for complete recovery. Rehabilitation or specific exercises can help speed up the recovery.