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Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure during which the internal structures of a joint are examined for diagnosis and treatment of problems. In arthroscopic examination, a small incision is made in the patient’s skin through which a pencil-sized instrument that has a small lens and lighting system (arthroscope) is passed. The arthroscope magnifies and illuminates the structures of the joint with the light that is transmitted through fiber optics. It is attached to a television camera and the interior of the joint is seen on the television monitor.

Arthroscopic examination of joints is helpful in diagnosing and treating the following conditions:

  • Inflammation: Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle
  • Acute or chronic injury: Injuries to the shoulder, knee and wrist joint such as cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint
  • Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that become logged within the joint

During arthroscopic surgery, either a general, spinal or local anesthesia will be given depending on the condition. A small incision of the size of a buttonhole is made, through which the arthroscope is inserted. Other accessory incisions will be made, through which specially designed instruments are inserted. After the procedure is completed, the arthroscope is removed and incisions are closed. You will be instructed about incision care, activities to be avoided and exercises to be performed for faster recovery.

Some of the possible complications after arthroscopy include infection, phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein), excessive swelling, bleeding, blood vessel or nerve damage and instrument breakage.

Recovery

It may take several weeks for the puncture wounds to heal and the joint to recover completely. A rehabilitation program may be advised for a speedy recovery of normal joint function. You can resume normal activities within a few days.

 

  • The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine
  • aana
  • American Medical Association
  • Tulsa County Medical Society
  • The University of Tulsa
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