Arthroscopy
What is an arthroscope?
An arthroscope is a small tube that is inserted into the body that consists of a
system of lenses, a small video camera, and a light for viewing. The camera is connected
to a monitoring system that allows a surgeon to view the operation while it is being
performed. The arthroscope is often used in conjunction with other tools that are
generally inserted through another incision. These tools, unlike the arthroscope, are used
for grasping, cutting, and probing.
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive diagnostic and treatment procedure used for conditions
of a joint. Originally, arthroscopy was a diagnostic tool only, used primarily for
planning a standard open surgery. However, because of the development of new instruments
and advanced surgical techniques, many conditions can be treated with arthroscopic
surgery.
What does arthroscopic surgery generally involve?
- a general, local, or spinal anesthetic
- a small incision in the patient's skin
- the arthroscope is inserted through the incision
- other incisions may be made to introduce other small grasping, probing, or cutting tools
- light is transmitted via fiber optics at the end of the arthroscope
- information about the interior of the joint is transmitted to a screen
- corrective surgery, if necessary, may be performed during the initial diagnostic
procedure
- dressings or bandages may be applied to the post-operative area
The small puncture wounds created by the arthroscope and probing tool(s) will take
several days to heal.
Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery and on the individual patient.
However, most arthroscopic surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and patients are
allowed to go home within hours after the surgery. Some patients resume daily activities
and return to work or school within a few days. Athletes and other patients in good
physical condition may return to athletic activities within a few weeks, under the care of
their physician.
Joints most frequently examined via arthroscopy:
- knee
- shoulder
- elbow
- ankle
- hip
- wrist
Conditions most frequently found with arthroscopy:
The following are the conditions most frequently discovered by an arthroscopic procedure:
- inflammation in the lining of the synovium in 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
anterior cruciate ligament tears with instability in the knee
- carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist
- pieces of loose bone and/or cartilage in the knee, shoulder, elbow,
ankle, or wrist.
Always consult your physician for a treatment recommendation based on your individual
condition.
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