Arthroscopy - What You Need to Know About

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive technique that is used for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal problems affecting the joints. Continuous advancements in this technique have not only made it effective but also reliable. This surgical technique requires special orthopedic implants and instruments that are smaller in size when compared to other implants.

In this post, we will be talking about arthroscopy in detail along with its pros and cons.

Arthroscopy – An Overview

Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that is used for the diagnosis and treatment of various joint problems that involve our musculoskeletal system. During arthroscopy, the surgeon makes one or two small incisions and uses an arthroscope having a tiny camera attached to it. The arthroscope is inserted via the incision made. It allows the surgeon to clearly visualize the internal structure of the joint and hence, better diagnosis and treatment can be made.

Why Arthroscopy is Done?

A variety of joint conditions can be diagnosed and treated using arthroscopy. The joints that can be treated include:

• Knee Joint

• Shoulder Joint

• Elbow Joint

• Knee Joint

• Hip Joint

• Wrist Joint

Which Conditions Can be Treated Using Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy can treat various joint conditions including:

• Anterior cruciate ligament tears

• Meniscal tears

• Torn ligaments, cartilage, and tendons

• Rotator cuff tear

• Dislocated shoulder

• Frozen shoulder

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Wrist arthritis

• Ganglion cysts

• Foot and ankle arthritis

Who Needs Arthroscopy?

As we know that arthroscopy is a surgical technique, it is often recommended for people in which non-surgical methods like the application of braces, splints, medicines, injections, and physical therapy & rest fail to provide relief.

How to Prepare for Arthroscopy?

When it is decided that arthroscopy will be required to treat the joint problem you are suffering from, the first thing you are required to do is tell the doctor about any medicines or supplements you are taking. Plus, make sure not to eat or drink anything the night before the surgery. Do confirm with the doctor about this as well. Besides this, it is advised to wear comfortable and loose clothes during the procedure. The hospital may also provide you with clothes.

What Are the Benefits of Arthroscopy?

Here are some of the benefits of arthroscopy:

Smaller Incision

When compared to conventional surgical procedures, an arthroscopy requires a smaller incision to visualize the affected joint from the inside.

Less Post-Surgical Pain

It is also noticed that people who have undergone arthroscopy tend to experience mild pain after the procedure.

Faster Recovery and Minimal Scarring

Minimal tissue damage during the surgery ensures faster recovery and it also results in minimal scarring. This is one of the reasons why arthroscopy is preferred in most cases.

What Are the Risks Associated with Arthroscopy?

Risks are there with all types of surgical procedures and some are there with arthroscopy as well. Let us have a look at them:

Tissue or Nerve Damage

The movement of small instruments during the procedure may result in damage to the tissues or nearby nerves.

Infection

The risk of infection is always there when surgery is done and instruments are inserted inside the body.

Blood Clots

Though not common, the risk of formation of blood clots is there in surgical procedures that last for more than an Hour.

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