Arthroscopic Surgery | Joint Replacement SurgeryMed E Guru

What is arthroscopic surgery?

A common orthopedic surgical procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems is called arthroscpic surgery. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on any joint. Some of the common types of arthroscopic surgery are following:

Among these, shoulder and knee arthroscopy are very common nowadays. The procedure of arthroscopy allows the surgeon to the surgical area or the joint clearly on the screen without making a larger incision like in the traditional surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon first inserts a narrow tube, that has a fiber-optic video camera at the end. This device require only a smaller incision like a buttonhole. A monitor outside is connected to the device, which will give a clear picture of the surgical area. Arthroscopy is comparatively a new procedure that is being popularised recently.

Why to choose arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat various conditions that affect the joints. It is used as a diagnostic procedure when x-ray and other traditional imaging tests fail to diagnose a conditon properly. It is also used to treat various conditions such as:

Torn or damaged cartilages
Joint infections
Bone spurs
Scarring or tissue overgrowth within joints
Inflammed joint linings
Torn tendons and ligaments

What are the risks and complications of the procedure?

Arthroscopic procedures rarely have complications. Some of them include:

Infection
Blood clots
Tissue damage

How is the procedure done?

During the procedure, the patient will be given a local/general or regional anesthesia. After that, a small incision will be made in the surgical area. Through the incision, the doctor will insert the arthroscope, which will be connected to the monitor outside. After enetering inside the surgical area, the surgeon will repair or correct the issue on the joint. The entire procedure will take around 30 minutes to 2 hours of time.

What are the post-operative care after arthroscopic surgery?

The surgeon will prescribe some medications to decrease the post-operative pain and discomforts. RICE treatment is recommended to reduce swelling. Physical therapy and rehabilitatiion are also suggested to strengthen the joint and improve the functions.

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