BE CONFIDENT WITH YOUR DIAGNOSIS. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A SECOND OPINION.
Fractures

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery, also known as arthroscopy, is a medical technique used to examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. It involves the use of a specialized instrument called an arthroscope

The arthroscope is a thin, flexible tube that contains a small lens and a light source. This allows for a magnified and well-lit view of the internal structures of the joint. The camera connected to the arthroscope sends images to a monitor, enabling the surgeon to carefully look at different parts of the joint, such as cartilage, ligaments, and tendons, and perform any required repairs.

Different Types of Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery can be conducted in any joint located in the body. The most frequently performed arthroscopic procedures are those that focus on the shoulder and knee. These surgeries are used to treat various issues, such as damage to the meniscus and cartilage in the knee, and tears in the rotator cuff in the shoulder. Some frequently performed arthroscopic procedures are:

  • Shoulder arthroscopy
  • Knee arthroscopy
  • Ankle arthroscopy
  • Hip arthroscopy
  • Wrist arthroscopy
  • Elbow arthroscopy
Indications for Arthroscopic Surgery

Generally, arthroscopic surgery is used to both diagnose and treat different conditions. It is often recommended for:

  • Articular cartilage defects and injuries
  • Joint debridement and washout for osteoarthritis
  • Removal of loose bodies
  • Synovectomy
  • Meniscal tears
  • Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
  • Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
  • Arthroscopic-assisted fixation of tibial plateau fractures
  • Evaluation of joints prior to joint replacement
Preparation for Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery preparation depends on the joint being examined or repaired by your surgeon. However, in general, you are required to:

  • Avoid using certain medications or supplements that could make you more likely to bleed.
  • Let your doctor know if you have any allergies to medicines or anaesthesia.
  • You should not consume any food or beverages for a period of 6 to 8 hours prior to the surgery.
  • Please wear garments that are simple to wear and remove.
  • Bring any assistive tools you might need, like a walker, a cane, or crutches.
  • Arrange for someone to drive you home, as you won’t be able to drive yourself.
Arthroscopic Surgery Procedure

The surgery is done using either general or local anesthesia. Once the surgical area is properly cleaned and sterilized, the surgeon makes a few small incisions. Through these incisions, the arthroscopy and small, specialized tools are inserted. The joint is then flushed with water to remove any debris and improve visibility. A camera at the end of the arthroscopy lets the surgeon view the inside of the joint on a television monitor, allowing them to repair any damaged parts. After the procedure, the tools and arthroscopy are taken out, and the incisions are closed with sterile bandages or stitches.

Postoperative Care of Arthroscopic Surgery

Before you are released, your doctor or nurse will provide you with suitable instructions for after your surgery, such as:

  • How to care your incisions and dressing
  • Exercises you should do
  • What activities you must avoid
  • Use of assistive devices such as a sling, splint, or crutches
  • Use of pain medications
  • Rehabilitation program for a quicker recovery
  • A follow-up appointment to remove dressings or stitches and to check on your overall recovery progress.
Risks and Complications of Arthroscopic Surgery

The risks and complications associated with an arthroscopic procedure are generally very low, occurring in less than one percent of all arthroscopic surgeries. Some of the potential risks and complications that may arise from arthroscopic surgery include:

  • Infection
  • Swelling or bleeding
  • Blood clots
  • Damage to nerves or blood vessels
  • Instrument breakage
  • Anaesthetic problems
Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery Over Traditional Open Surgery

One of the key benefits of arthroscopic surgery over traditional open surgery includes the following points:

  • This type of surgery is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, allowing the patient to return home on the same day.
  • The amount of swelling is significantly less because the incisions are much smaller.
  • Pain is greatly reduced since there is minimal handling of healthy tissues.
  • The risk of infection is lower due to the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.The chance of complications related to blood loss is very low.
  • Patients generally require a shorter time in the hospital and tend to recover more quickly compared to traditional methods.
  • The scars from the incisions are very small.
  • The surgical risk is reduced because arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive method.
  • In many cases, arthroscopic surgery proves to be more effective than open joint surgery.
  • Usually more successful than open joint procedures
  • Both the diagnosis and the surgical treatment can be done in a single procedure.
  • The use of small instruments in arthroscopy causes less damage to surrounding tissues than larger surgical tools.
Other Special Interest – Knee
logo