Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an arthroscope, an endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision.
Arthroscopic procedures can be performed to evaluate or treat many orthopaedic conditions including torn cartilage (known by doctors as “meniscus”), torn surface (articular) cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage.
The advantage over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. For knee arthroscopy only two small incisions are made, one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments to be used in the knee cavity. This reduces recovery time and may increase the rate of success due to lesser trauma to the connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the smaller incisions. Irrigation fluid is used to distend the joint and make a surgical space. Sometimes this fluid leaks (extravasates) into the surrounding soft tissue, causing edema.
The surgical instruments are smaller than traditional instruments. Surgeons view the joint area on a video monitor, and can diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, such as ligaments and menisci or cartilage.
The surgical instruments are smaller than traditional instruments. Surgeons view the joint area on a video monitor, and can diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, such as ligaments and menisci or cartilage.
It is technically possible to do an arthroscopic examination of almost every joint, most commonly the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot, and hip.
Although the experience varies depending on why you’re having the procedure and on which joint is involved, some aspects of arthroscopy are fairly standard.
You’ll be placed in the best position for the procedure you’re having. This may be on your back, on your stomach or on your side. The limb being worked on will be placed in a positioning device, and a tourniquet may be used to decrease blood loss and make it easier to see inside the joint.
Another technique to improve the view inside your joint is to fill it with a sterile fluid, which helps distend the area and provide more maneuvering room.
One small incision will admit the viewing device. Additional small incisions at different points around the joint allow the surgeon to insert surgical tools to grasp, cut, grind and provide suction as needed for joint repair.
Each incision will be less than 1/4 inch (7 millimeters) long and can be closed with one or two stitches, or with narrow strips of sterile adhesive tape.
Arthroscopic surgery usually takes between 30 minutes and two hours, depending on the procedure performed. After that, you’ll be taken to a separate room to recover for a few hours before going home.
In general, you should be able to resume desk work and light activity in a week, and more strenuous activity in about four weeks. Remember, however, that your situation may dictate a longer recovery period, along with rehabilitation.
Your surgeon will review the findings of the arthroscopy with you as soon as possible. You may also receive a written report, as may your primary physician.
After arthroscopic surgery to treat a joint injury or disease, healing may take several weeks. Your surgeon will monitor your progress in follow-up visits and address any problems that arise.
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