Arthroscopy

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that orthopedic surgeons use to examine your joints as well as diagnose and treat the problems inside them.

The doctors put a small, flexible tube inside the joint through a tiny incision. The tube connects to a light source and camera that projects the images from inside the joint on a TV monitor in the operating room.

How is arthroscopy performed?

You’re under anesthesia throughout the procedure. Your doctor numbs the site and makes a small incision in the joint surface to put the arthroscope inside the joint capsule. The scope connects to a light source and camera that projects pictures from inside the joint onto a large TV monitor in the operating room.

If required, the doctor inserts other surgical tools through separate tiny incisions to perform curative surgery. No stitches are needed, and you can go home on the day of surgery.

What conditions are diagnosed or treated by arthroscopy?

Many diseases or injuries can damage the bones, ligaments, tendons, or the membrane covering the surface of the joints. After the lab reports and imaging studies are in, arthroscopy helps doctors make a final diagnosis and carry out the treatment.

Arthroscopy is commonly used on shoulders, elbows, wrists, hips, knees, and ankles to treat conditions such as:

• Rotator cuff tear
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• ACL repair in knee
• Inflamed joint lining
• Loose bones or cartilage from joints

What happens during the recovery period?

Recovery after arthroscopy is quick compared to open surgery. You can remove the dressing the next day and put a small bandage on the wound. The puncture wound takes many days to heal.

After the initial pain is over, your doctor at Star Orthopedics prescribes you a physical therapy and rehabilitation program to regain and protect your joint’s strength, flexibility, and overall function. You can return to your daily activities in just a few days.

What are the advantages of arthroscopy?

An arthroscopy is a valuable tool for orthopedic surgeons and patients. Your doctors can make a more precise diagnosis and provide accurate and cutting-edge treatment in the same visit.

This form of treatment is also gentle on patients and offers a variety of benefits such as:

• Outpatient procedure
• Fewer chances of infection
• Minimal postoperative pain
• Minimal scarring
• Quick recovery

If you have a joint problem and are looking for a better outcome and speedier recovery, arthroscopy may be the answer. Call or click to schedule an appointment online with Star Orthopedics and Sports Medicine.