What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure done to diagnose and treat problems in your joints. The procedure is minimally invasive because it only needs small incisions about one-quarter of an inch long. Then your Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute surgeon does the surgery using pencil-thin instruments.
The primary instrument is called an arthroscope. It contains lighting and a video camera. Your surgeon inserts the scope through an incision into your joint, and the camera sends enhanced images to a monitor.
Your Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute surgeon uses the image on the monitor to examine the tissues and verify or determine the diagnosis.
To repair problems in the joint, they insert narrow surgical tools through a second incision. They then manipulate these instruments from outside your body while viewing the joint tissues on the monitor.
What joint problems are treated with arthroscopy?
With only a few exceptions, Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute begins your treatment with conservative therapies. If your symptoms continue despite conservative care, you’ll probably need arthroscopy.
These are a few examples of the orthopedic conditions the team treats using arthroscopy:
- Arthritis
- Rotator cuff tears
- Meniscus tears
- Labral tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dislocated knee or shoulder
- ACL injuries
- Hip impingement (abnormal contact between the bones)
- Synovitis (joint inflammation)
This list is far from complete, but it shows the range of problems that can benefit from arthroscopy.
What types of procedures are done during arthroscopy?
Nearly all joint procedures that were once done using open surgery can now be done with arthroscopy. For example, the team at Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute can:
- Repair or remove torn cartilage
- Reconstruct ligaments
- Repair or release tendons
- Remove loose bodies
- Remove infected or damaged tissues
- Realign and stabilize fractures
In some cases, even a joint replacement can be done during an arthroscopic procedure.
What are the benefits of arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy causes less stress and trauma. As a result, you gain the following health benefits:
- Less bleeding during surgery
- Less pain after surgery
- Lower risk of complications
- Shorter recovery time
- Faster return to sports and activities
- Minimal scarring
Another great benefit is that many arthroscopic procedures are done on an outpatient basis. If you should need hospitalization, your stay will be much shorter compared with that required by open surgery.
To learn more about arthroscopy or schedule an appointment, call Regenerative Orthopaedics and Spine Institute or request an appointment online today.
