“Discovering joint health through a keyhole”
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that doctors use to look inside your joints and treat various joint problems. Instead of making a big cut, they make a few small ones and insert a tiny camera and special tools.
The camera allows the doctor to see a clear view of the inside of your joint on a screen, like watching a video. They can then diagnose the problem and fix it without needing to fully open up the joint.
Arthroscopy is commonly used for knee, shoulder, ankle, and other joint issues. It’s less painful and has a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery, which means you can get back to your normal activities sooner.
Who need Knee Arthroscopy?
Common factors include:
- Meniscus Tears
- Ligament Injuries: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), or lateral collateral ligament (LCL).
- Cartilage Damage
- Loose Bodies
- Synovitis
- Patellar Instability.
- Knee Infections
- Removal of Cysts
Shoulder arthroscopy is a valuable tool for both diagnosis and treatment of various shoulder conditions. The specific indication for the procedure depends on the patient’s individual case, the extent of the shoulder problem, and the surgeon’s assessment
Who need Shoulder Arthroscopy?
Common factors include:
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Labral Tears
- Impingement Syndrome
- Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)
- Recurrent Shoulder Dislocations
- Shoulder Instability
- Biceps Tendon Disorders
- SLAP Tears
- Arthritis
Who need Wrist Arthroscopy?
Common factors include:
- Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex (TFCC) Tears
- Removal of Loose Bodies
- Interosseous ligament injuries
- ulnocarpal impaction
- debridement of chondral lesions
- removal of loose bodies
- synovectomy
- assistance in treatment of SNAC and or SLAC wrist
- septic wrist irrigation and debridement
Who need Ankle Arthroscopy?
Common factors include:
- Bony impingement
- Arthrofibrosis
- Instability
- Synovitis
- Loose bodies
- Intra-articular bands
- Osteophytes
- Osteochondral defects (see the image below)
- Arthrodesis
- Septic arthritis
FAQs
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to visualize, diagnose, and treat joint problems using a small camera and specialized instruments inserted through small incisions.
Arthroscopy is generally less painful than traditional open surgery because it involves smaller incisions and less tissue disruption. However, some discomfort and soreness may be experienced after the procedure.
Recovery time varies depending on the specific procedure and the patient’s individual health. In many cases, patients can resume light activities within a few days to a week and return to normal activities within a few weeks.
The incisions used for arthroscopy are typically small, resulting in tiny scars that are usually less noticeable than those from traditional open surgery.
Arthroscopy is generally considered a safe procedure when performed by an experienced surgeon. As with any surgery, there are some risks, but they are usually minimal.
While arthroscopy can address many joint issues, it may not be suitable for all conditions. The surgeon will determine the best approach based on the individual case.
Arthroscopy is usually performed under regional or general anesthesia, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
The duration of an arthroscopic procedure depends on the complexity of the condition being treated but typically lasts between 30 minutes to a few hours.
The timeline for returning to work or sports will depend on the specific procedure and the patient’s individual recovery progress. Your surgeon will provide guidelines based on your condition.
Although arthroscopy is generally safe, potential risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, nerve or blood vessel damage, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you before the procedure.
Minimally Invasive, Quicker Recovery & Reduced Pain