Arthroscopic surgery is part of common orthopaedic procedure used for diagnosing as well as treating problems of the joints. With the surgery potentially be performed on any of the joints, common arthroscopic surgeries undertaken by surgeons include:
· Knee Arthroscopy
· Shoulder Arthroscopy
· Hip Arthroscopy
· Ankle Arthroscopy
· Elbow Arthroscopy
· Wrist Arthroscopy
Among these knee and shoulder arthroscopy are most common arthroscopic procedures that are performed medically that includes repairing cartilage & meniscus problems in knee, repairing rotator cuff tears in shoulder and others.
Why Arthroscopy
The diagnosing process for joint injuries begins with following examinations:
· Checking thorough medical history
· Physical examination
· Conducting X-rays
Apart from this additional test many also be carried that include:
· Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
· Computed tomography (CT)
Arthroscope is used for conducting final diagnosis that is also more accurate than "open" surgery or from conducting X-ray studies. With joint injuries damaging cartilage, bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons, some conditions that are found frequently during arthroscopic examination of joints include:
Inflammation concerning –
It can be a lining in elbow, knee, shoulder, wrist or ankle.
Acute/Chronic Injury concerning -
Shoulder - Impingement syndrome, Rotator cuff tendon tears, recurrent dislocations
Knee - Chondromalacia (wearing/injury of cartilage cushion), Meniscal (cartilage) tears, Anterior cruciate ligament tears (with instability)
Wrist - Carpal tunnel syndrome
Loose bodies of bone/cartilage - Affecting shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, wrist
Other than these, some problems that are associated with arthritis can also be treated through this form of surgery.
Performing Arthroscopic Surgery
For performing arthroscopy, a camera is inserted into joint through small incision which is attached to fiberoptic light source. This helps surgeon in seeing picture of inside of joints. Further, the surgeon may also use fluid that is pumped through joints that aids in achieving greater visibility by clearing debris from affected joints.
This process is followed by other incision which is made for inserting instruments for handling the specific treatment demands.
Common Arthroscopic Procedures
With possible treatment possibility of many joint problems through arthroscopic surgery, some of the common arthroscopic procedures that are followed include:
· Trimming torn meniscus of knee
· Repairing torn meniscus of knee
· Treating shoulder bursitis
· Repairing rotator cuff in shoulders
Safety Issues Concerning Arthroscopic Surgery
As Arthroscopic Surgery is a surgical procedure, it does involve risks. These can be in form of:
· Infection
· Blood clots
· Problems with anaesthesia
But as arthroscopic surgery is a 'less invasive' procedure, when it is performed in a surgically correct manner it is often very successful.
Possible Complications
Though uncommon, complications may occur occasionally during/following arthroscopy. These can be present in the form of:
· Infection
· Bleeding
· Phlebitis (blood clots of vein)
· Excessive swelling
· Damages to blood vessels/nerves
· Instrument breakage
Advantages
Arthroscopic surgery is a valuable tool for orthopaedic patients and is normally an easier process for patients than open surgery. Many of the patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery are sent home as soon as a few hours after the surgery are performed.
Recovery Period
Small puncture/incisions made take some days to heal. The operative dressing is generally replaced by surgical dressing a day after surgery has been done to cover small healing incisions. Though puncture wounds are small and pain felt in joint minimal, it does take several weeks for joints to function as before. For ensuring faster and safe recovery, patients are also trained for specific activities and rehabilitation program that also helps in protecting future joint function.
· Knee Arthroscopy
· Shoulder Arthroscopy
· Hip Arthroscopy
· Ankle Arthroscopy
· Elbow Arthroscopy
· Wrist Arthroscopy
Among these knee and shoulder arthroscopy are most common arthroscopic procedures that are performed medically that includes repairing cartilage & meniscus problems in knee, repairing rotator cuff tears in shoulder and others.
Why Arthroscopy
The diagnosing process for joint injuries begins with following examinations:
· Checking thorough medical history
· Physical examination
· Conducting X-rays
Apart from this additional test many also be carried that include:
· Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
· Computed tomography (CT)
Arthroscope is used for conducting final diagnosis that is also more accurate than "open" surgery or from conducting X-ray studies. With joint injuries damaging cartilage, bones, ligaments, muscles and tendons, some conditions that are found frequently during arthroscopic examination of joints include:
Inflammation concerning –
It can be a lining in elbow, knee, shoulder, wrist or ankle.
Acute/Chronic Injury concerning -
Shoulder - Impingement syndrome, Rotator cuff tendon tears, recurrent dislocations
Knee - Chondromalacia (wearing/injury of cartilage cushion), Meniscal (cartilage) tears, Anterior cruciate ligament tears (with instability)
Wrist - Carpal tunnel syndrome
Loose bodies of bone/cartilage - Affecting shoulder, knee, elbow, ankle, wrist
Other than these, some problems that are associated with arthritis can also be treated through this form of surgery.
Performing Arthroscopic Surgery
For performing arthroscopy, a camera is inserted into joint through small incision which is attached to fiberoptic light source. This helps surgeon in seeing picture of inside of joints. Further, the surgeon may also use fluid that is pumped through joints that aids in achieving greater visibility by clearing debris from affected joints.
This process is followed by other incision which is made for inserting instruments for handling the specific treatment demands.
Common Arthroscopic Procedures
With possible treatment possibility of many joint problems through arthroscopic surgery, some of the common arthroscopic procedures that are followed include:
· Trimming torn meniscus of knee
· Repairing torn meniscus of knee
· Treating shoulder bursitis
· Repairing rotator cuff in shoulders
Safety Issues Concerning Arthroscopic Surgery
As Arthroscopic Surgery is a surgical procedure, it does involve risks. These can be in form of:
· Infection
· Blood clots
· Problems with anaesthesia
But as arthroscopic surgery is a 'less invasive' procedure, when it is performed in a surgically correct manner it is often very successful.
Possible Complications
Though uncommon, complications may occur occasionally during/following arthroscopy. These can be present in the form of:
· Infection
· Bleeding
· Phlebitis (blood clots of vein)
· Excessive swelling
· Damages to blood vessels/nerves
· Instrument breakage
Advantages
Arthroscopic surgery is a valuable tool for orthopaedic patients and is normally an easier process for patients than open surgery. Many of the patients who have undergone arthroscopic surgery are sent home as soon as a few hours after the surgery are performed.
Recovery Period
Small puncture/incisions made take some days to heal. The operative dressing is generally replaced by surgical dressing a day after surgery has been done to cover small healing incisions. Though puncture wounds are small and pain felt in joint minimal, it does take several weeks for joints to function as before. For ensuring faster and safe recovery, patients are also trained for specific activities and rehabilitation program that also helps in protecting future joint function.