Arthroscopic Surgeries
It is possible to diagnose and treat joint issues using arthroscopy. A surgeon inserts a fibre-optic camera-equipped tube via a buttonhole-sized incision in the skin. On a high-definition video display, you see what’s happening within your joint.
An arthroscopic procedure enables a physician to see the interior of your joint without creating a major incision. Using pencil-thin surgical devices introduced via extra tiny incisions, surgeons may even heal certain forms of joint injury during arthroscopy.
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Everything You Need To Know About Arthroscopic Surgeries
What is It?
A minimally invasive orthopaedic treatment, arthroscopy, or arthroscopic surgery, is used to diagnose and treat joint disorders. Small “keyhole” incisions are used to access the joint with an arthroscope and other specialized surgical instruments, termed arthrodesis, respectively. Arthroscopic surgery has quicker recovery periods than open surgery because of the tiny incisions required.
Why is it Needed?
Inflammation, damaged ligaments and tendons, loose bone or cartilage, and even certain illnesses may be treated by arthroscopic surgery. In most cases, arthroscopic surgery may be used to diagnose and cure joint problems. Even though the most frequent arthroscopies are on the knee and shoulder, every joint in the body may be operated on by arthroscopic means.
What are the Types
The six most common arthroscopic surgeries are:
- Knee surgery: The most prevalent way of treating the knee joint, the most important joint in the body, is arthroscopy. It carries the body’s weight and is essential for mobility. An arthroscope is placed via a 4mm incision into the knee joint to see the joint region on a video display. Treatments include cruciate ligament repair, reconstruction, meniscus repair, chondroplasty, removal of loose fragments, excision or release of tight structures, among others.
- Hip surgery: Hips are ball-and-socket joints. The socket is part of the pelvis, whereas the ball is part of the thigh bone. Arthroscopy of this joint is done by creating three tiny incisions, each around one centimetre long. Then a traction device pulls the leg to expand the hip joint. Surgical tools are used after the injury is located. Hip arthroscopy treats FAI, dysplasia, snapping hip syndromes, synovitis, and hip joint infections. Loose bone or cartilage pieces that move around within the joint may also be addressed.
- Shoulder surgery: The humerus, scapula, and clavicle are the three bones that make up the shoulder joint. Unlike other joints in the body, the shoulder is capable of a wide range of motion. It is performed with 2-3 incisions under anesthesia. Shoulder arthroscopy is recommended for rotator cuff repair, impingement syndrome, and shoulder instability. Repetitive shoulder dislocations and inflammation of the joint lining are also treated well. Most patients recover quickly.
- Wrist surgery: A wrist contains eight tiny bones and ligaments connecting them. Wrist arthroscopy treats recurrent strain injuries. Arthroscopy is also used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome, persistent wrist discomfort, and fractures.
- Ankle surgery: Certain ankle pains may be treated with arthroscopic ankle surgery. Inside the joint, an arthroscopy camera is placed. Smaller incisions may be used to repair or remove damaged tissues. Ankle arthroscopy is sometimes known as “scoping the ankle.”
- Elbow surgery: Certain forms of elbow discomfort may benefit from arthroscopic elbow surgery. Arthroscopic surgery involves inserting a tiny camera within a joint. Smaller incisions may be used to repair or remove damaged tissues. A procedure termed “arthroscopic elbow surgery” may help relieve certain forms of elbow discomfort.
What is Procedure
Your surgeon will conduct arthroscopic surgery at a hospital or clinic. You’ll be given an anesthetic based on your surgeon’s diagnosis and the kind of joint involved. A general anesthetic may be used, or your doctor may administer the ananestheticaesthetic via your spine.
Your doctor will make a tiny incision the size of a buttonhole to implant special pencil-thin equipment. Arthroscopes have camera lenses and light built-in. It gives them access to the joint’s interior. An image of the joint is shown on a monitor as a result of the camera. The surgeon will expand the joint by injecting sterile fluid into it.
As soon as they’ve determined what’s wrong, they’ll decide whether or not you’ll require an operation. A tiny incision called a portal would be made in your body if you require surgery. Bone-cutting instruments will be used for this purpose.
Your surgeon may do both arthroscopic surgeries and open surgery at the same time.
After that, the arthroscope and any attachments will be removed. They’ll use special tape or stitches to seal the incision.
Conclusion
While open surgery was formerly the best option for many kinds of joint issues, now arthroscopic procedures are considered the norm.
If your doctor says that arthroscopic surgery is not a good option for you, keep a positive mind and ask as many queries as you need to comprehend why. Consider getting a second opinion from an orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in your problem if you are still unsure.