Arthroscopy
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a procedure used for joint conditions. In the past, arthroscopy was used mainly for planning a standard open surgery. But thanks to the highly-developed new tools and advanced surgical methods, many conditions can also be treated by using an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a small tube, which contains a system of lenses, a small video camera, and a light for viewing. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a very small incision and inserts this tiny tube with the camera into the body. The camera is connected to a monitoring system, which allows the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a screen and view the surgery while it is being done. The arthroscope is often used with other small instruments that are inserted through another incision. These tools are used for cutting, probing, and grasping.
What happens during arthroscopic surgery?
Each procedure may vary but the general process is the following:
- Your doctor will give you a local, a regional or a general anesthetic. If you are awake, you may be able to watch the procedure on a monitor.
- The surgeon will begin by making a few small incisions or cuts.
- The arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions and the surgeon will look around in your joint using the attached camera.
- Information about the interior of the joint is transmitted to a screen.
- When the surgeon locates the problem in your joint, they may then insert small tools into the incisions to correct the issue.
- Dressings or bandages may be put on the incisions.
What is recovery like after arthroscopic surgery?
This surgery isn’t very invasive. For most people, the procedure takes less than an hour depending on the specific procedure.
- Recovery time varies. But you will likely go home on the same day for recovery.
- Your doctor will give you an exercise regimen to follow at home to help your recovery, or will recommend a physical therapist to visit.
- You will probably need to see your surgeon for a follow-up appointment a few days after the procedure.
- Some people get back to their normal activity in a few days or weeks.
- Athletes and other people in good physical condition may return to athletic activities in a few weeks, under the care of their healthcare provider.
What are the conditions that are found with arthroscopy?
Knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, hip and wrist joints are often examined by using arthroscopy. Arthroscopy diagnoses several problems, including:
- Inflammation. This includes in the lining (synovium) of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle.
- Injuries. Rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome, and recurrent dislocations in the shoulder. Meniscal (cartilage) tears, chondromalacia (wearing or injury of cartilage cushion), and ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears with instability in the knee.
- Pieces of loose bone or cartilage. This is particularly in the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, or wrist.
Dr. Ahmed Gadallah has extensive experience in arthroscopic surgery. He completed hundreds of operations successfully with this technique.