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Have you ever experienced joint pain or discomfort? If so, you may have heard of a common procedure called arthroscopy.
But what exactly is it and why would someone need it?
Written by
Angel Rigueras
Pain Management Specialist
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Written by
Angel Rigueras
Pain Management Specialist
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Whether you are an active individual looking to return to everyday activities after an injury or accident or someone dealing with chronic joint pain, this minimally invasive procedure could be the solution for your discomfort.
In this blog, we will delve into the world of arthroscopy and explore its uses and benefits. Additionally, we will talk about an orthopedic practice where you can go to receive high-quality orthopedic care for your traumatic injuries and accidents.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure orthopedic surgeons use to view, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. Arthroscopy is often recommended for patients experiencing joint pain or reduced joint mobility that has not improved with non-surgical treatment methods such as medication, physical therapy, or rest.
The arthroscopic procedure begins with anesthesia, which may be local, regional, or general, depending on the joint and condition being treated. A small incision is made to insert the arthroscope, which transmits high-definition images to a video monitor.
These images provide the surgeon with a clear view of the joint’s interior without the need for a large incision. If necessary, additional small incisions are made to insert tiny instruments to trim, remove, or repair damaged tissues.
Due to the minimal invasiveness of the technique, patients often enjoy a quicker recovery period, less pain, and a lower risk of complications compared to open surgery. After the procedure, patients typically return home on the same day to begin recuperation with guidelines provided by the surgical team.
There are several reasons why someone might need an arthroscopy:
One of the most common reasons for undergoing an arthroscopy is to diagnose problems with a joint. Arthroscopy helps visualize any damage to bones, cartilage, ligaments, or tendons within the affected joint.
Orthopedic surgeons can also use arthroscopy for biopsy purposes by removing tissue samples from inside the joint for further examination under a microscope.
Arthroscopy isn’t just for diagnosing problems; it’s also used for treating them. Arthroscopic surgery can be used as a treatment option for certain conditions such as torn meniscus or rotator cuff injuries.
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage that provides a cushion between your femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone). A meniscus tear is a common knee injury. Meniscus tears often occur during activities that cause you to twist or rotate your knee forcefully.
If you have a meniscus tear, you might experience meniscus tear symptoms such as pain, swelling, stiffness, a tendency for your knee to lock or click, or difficulty moving your knee through its complete range of motion.
Arthroscopy is a commonly used meniscus tear treatment. The procedure allows the surgeon to view the tear, remove loose pieces of cartilage, or even repair the tear itself.
Rotator cuff injuries can occur due to a significant injury or from degeneration over time. These injuries can result in rotator cuff tears, which are a common cause of shoulder pain and disability among adults.
Arthroscopy can not only diagnose a rotator cuff tear, but it can also repair it. The procedure allows the surgeon to reattach the torn tendon to the head of the humerus (upper arm bone).
In addition to treating rotator cuff injuries and torn meniscus, arthroscopy can also be used to remove loose bone fragments, inflamed synovial tissue (the lining of the joint), and cysts.
Arthroscopy has many advantages over traditional open surgery:
If you think you or someone you love might benefit from arthroscopy and are looking for highly trained and skilled orthopedic doctors, look no further than University Orthopedic Care for expert care. We have a team of highly qualified professionals specializing in regenerative medicine, occupational medicine, and traumatic and work-related injuries.
If you would like to learn more about our practice or to schedule a private consultation with one of our experts, contact us today at (866) 961-1744 or fill out our convenient online appointment request form. We look forward to serving you!
