Orthopedics - Arthroscopy

Orthopedics: All About Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure performed to diagnose as well as treat internal joint abnormalities. This involves using a camera to look within a joint, rather than opening it completely. It can be performed on joints of the knee, shoulder and ankle.

What is arthroscopic surgery all about?

Arthroscopy involves diagnosis as well as surgery of the joint. In arthroscopic surgery, a narrow arthroscope containing optical fibres and lenses is inserted to make small incisions into the skin over the joint to be examined. Because smaller incisions are made rather than open surgery, recovery time is comparatively shorter. A video camera is connected to the arthroscope to examine the interior structure of a joint on a monitor.

Who qualifies for arthroscopy?

The surgery is needed in case of:

• Non-inflammatory arthritis: osteoarthritis
• Inflammatory arthritis: rheumatoid arthritis
• Chronic joint swelling
• Knee joint injuries like cartilage tears, ligament tears and strains
• Any injury to the elbow, shoulder, ankle or wrist.

Why is arthroscopy needed?

• Knee pain
• Shoulder pain
• Ankle pain
• Stiffness in joint
• Swelling in joint
• Minimal mobility of joint
• Weakness
• Symptoms that do not respond to physical therapy

What are the Types of arthroscopy?

• Knee arthroscopy
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Ankle arthroscopy
• Hip arthroscopy
• Elbow arthroscopy
• Wrist arthroscopy

What are the benefits of arthroscopy ?

• Smaller incision and scar
• Less blood loss
• Faster recovery
• Lower risk of infection
• Minimizes pain
• Performed in outpatient settings

What are the complications involved?

Arthroscopic surgery is generally considered safe with relatively few complications like:

• Tissue or nerve damage while performing surgery
• Infections, as it's an invasive surgery
• Blood clots in lungs and legs

When to see your doctor?

When you get the majority of the symptoms mentioned above, immediately seek medical help.
After surgery, if you find the following symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible:

• Fever
• Severe pain
• Swelling in joint
• Numbness
• Discolored or smelly fluid leaking from wound
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia

Request an appointment at Apollo Spectra Hospitals.

Call 1860 500 2244 to book an appointment.

How to prepare for the surgery?

• Patient’s body should be healthy enough to tolerate anesthesia.
• Heart, kidney, liver and lungs should be properly functioning.
• Heart failure and emphysema should be optimized before surgery.
• Make sure to tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are taking.
• Stop taking certain medicines, such as aspirin, for some days before the procedure.
• Stop eating and drinking 12 hours prior to surgery.
• High blood pressure and diabetes should be in control.

Conclusion?

Arthroscopic surgery has almost no side effects. It is used to treat well-known athletes. It causes less tissue trauma, less pain and has a quick recovery rate.