Arthroscopic Surgery

Introduction

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure to diagnose and treat your joint’s structural problems, which often cause pain, instability, or other dysfunction. The surgeon uses an arthroscope, a long, thin tube with a video camera and light on the end. Orthopedic surgeons perform arthroscopic procedures. These doctors specialize in conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system.

Types of arthroscopy

Surgeons utilize arthroscopy to look within joints without making big incisions. Arthroscopy can be performed on the elbow, foot, ankle, hand and wrist, hip, knee, or shoulder.

Why do healthcare providers perform arthroscopies?

Doctors employ arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint, tendon, and ligament disorders, including knee discomfort, instability, and injuries like ACL and meniscus tears.

Tendons, cartilage, and ligaments are all torn.

Shoulder impingement, dislocated shoulder, frozen shoulder, and rotator cuff tears.

Foot and ankle arthritis are types of arthritis.

Wrist pain, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, and wrist arthritis.

Who needs arthroscopy?

If you have hurt or damaged your meniscus, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments, your doctor may advise you to have an arthroscopic treatment. If non-surgical treatments such as braces or splints, medicines, and steroid injections, or physical therapy and rest do not provide enough relief, arthroscopy may be an alternative.

Procedure Details

Before

You should follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about what to do before an arthroscopic procedure. In general, you should notify your provider of any allergies, provide a list of medications and supplements you use, inform your healthcare provider of any blood thinners or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) you are taking before the procedure, and refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the day before the procedure.

During

Arthroscopy is often an outpatient operation, which means you can return home the same day. You will be anaesthetized, therefore, someone must drive you home and accompany you for the remainder of the day. The steps for arthroscopic operations differ according to the condition. Most procedures last around an hour, but certain arthroscopies are longer. During arthroscopy, an orthopedic surgeon:

• Makes two or three small incisions (about the size of a buttonhole) in the treatment site.

• Inserts the arthroscope and other tiny surgical instruments through small incisions.

• Views images from the arthroscope on a monitor to examine joints, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

• Refers to arthroscope images to diagnose or surgically treat the problem.

• Remove the arthroscope and surgical instruments.

• Uses stitches and a bandage to close the incisions.

After

You should be able to go home within a few hours of the procedure. You might need to:

• Avoid applying weight or pressure to the affected area over an extended period. If you underwent arthroscopy on your hip or leg, you may need crutches or other assistance equipment.

• Ice the area as well as raise it.

• Keep the wound clean and covered.

• Take NSAIDs for pain.

• Take showers, not baths, until the incision heals.

• Wear a sling or brace.

Benefits

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive treatment. The treatment is performed through tiny incisions. Compared to open surgery, the advantages include faster recovery, less pain, and less blood loss and scarring.

Risks

Arthroscopy is a rather safe surgery. Possible consequences include an allergic reaction to anaesthesia, blood clots, particularly deep vein thrombosis (DVT), damage to surrounding tissue or nerves, excessive bleeding or swelling, and infections.

Conclusion

Arthroscopy surgery is an effective and less invasive method for diagnosing and treating a variety of joint problems. Using microscopic incisions and cutting-edge imaging technologies, surgeons can correctly detect joint abnormalities and execute necessary repairs with minimal damage to surrounding tissues. Compared to open surgery, this approach provides patients with significant pain relief, more mobility, and faster recovery times, making it especially beneficial for disorders affecting the knee, shoulder, hip, and wrist.

Although the therapy is generally safe, there is a risk of infection, blood clots, and persistent joint issues; therefore, a comprehensive pre-operative examination and post-operative care are essential. Most patients should expect a positive outcome, returning to their regular activities and enjoying an enhanced quality of life after receiving adequate therapy and according to medical advice.