Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure to help diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions. An arthroscope is a small, flexible tube. It consists of a light source, a lens system and fiber optics that transmit light to the area being examined. The surgeon can illuminate the joint and in the same time see the view from within the joint on a video monitor. Arthroscopy is most often used to diagnose and treat knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist problems, like unexplained joint pain, joint stiffness, swelling of the joint, limited movement within the joint and assess the level of damage resulting from an injury. It can also be used to treat conditions like bone spurs or loose bone fragments, damaged or torn cartilage, inflamed joint linings, joint infections, torn ligaments, scarring or tissue overgrowth within joints.
The procedure
The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin over the surgical site and inserts a hollow tube through the underlying tissue and the membrane covering the joint. The arthroscope is inserted through the tube.
If necessary, the surgeon makes additional incisions and inserts surgical tools that are needed to repair the joint. At the end of the surgery the surgeon removes the arthroscope and other tools and flushes the joint with sterile solution and closes the incisions.
After the procedure
Patients may be given medication to relieve inflammation and pain. It is suggested to keep the join elevated and apply a wrap and ice packing for several days to reduce swelling. The use of splints or crutches and physical therapy may also be recommended.
Patients are able to return to work or school generally within 1-3 weeks depending in the type of surgery they had.
Complications and risks
Arthroscopy is a low-risk procedure; complications are rare. They include infection, blood clots, bleeding within the joint, tendon or ligament damage, bone, blood vessel or nerve damage.
You can avoid most complications by choosing the right surgeon and following pre- and postoperative instructions.
