Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to visualize the joint and treat the underlying issue within, all without needing to make a large incision.
Arthroscopy involves the use of an arthroscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a light source and a high-definition camera at the end. The surgeon inserts the instrument through a small incision near the joint, providing them with a clear view of the internal structures on a video monitor.
Arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, which we will discuss below. Here is a beginner’s guide to arthroscopy to help you learn more about this cutting-edge technique.
The Uses of Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is unique in that it is both a diagnostic and treatment tool. Arthroscopic surgery is most commonly performed on joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder.
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Hip
Surgeons can access the hip joint through small incisions, allowing for the treatment of many hip conditions, such as labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), cartilage damage, and synovitis.
Labral tears, which are common hip injuries, can cause pain, clicking, and limited range of motion. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to visualize and repair or trim the torn labrum with sutures and suture anchors, relieving symptoms and restoring stability to the hip joint.
FAI occurs when there is abnormal contact between the femoral head and the acetabulum, leading to pain and cartilage damage. Through arthroscopy, the orthopedic surgeon reshapes the bone and removes excess bone spurs, which helps in reducing impingement and improving hip joint mechanics.
Arthroscopy is also commonly used to address loose bodies within the hip joint. These loose fragments of cartilage or bone can cause pain and limited mobility. Arthroscopic techniques allow for the removal of these loose bodies, relieving symptoms as a result.
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Shoulder
Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder is commonly performed to address conditions like rotator cuff tears, labral tears, impingement syndrome, shoulder instability, and biceps tendon disorders.
Through an arthroscope, the surgeon can repair or reattach the torn rotator cuff tendons. They use specialized instruments and sutures to restore the integrity of the rotator cuff, which reduces pain and improves shoulder function.
Labral tears are another shoulder issue that can be addressed through arthroscopy. The surgeon can visualize the torn labrum, which is a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the shoulder joint, remove frayed or scar tissue, smooths the cartilage, or reattachs the tissue by placing anchors through the labrum and into the bone. This helps restore stability and reduces the risk of recurrent shoulder dislocations.
Shoulder impingement syndrome is characterized by compression and irritation of the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. The surgeon removes bone spurs and inflamed tissue that are interfering with the normal movement of the structures in the shoulder, creating more space for the tendons and alleviating impingement symptoms.
Arthroscopic surgery is also very effective in addressing shoulder instability, which occurs when the shoulder joint becomes loose or dislocates. Surgeons can use arthroscopic techniques to repair or tighten the ligaments and tissues that support the shoulder joint, restoring stability and reducing the risk of future dislocations.
Bicep tendon disorders, such as bicep tendonitis or tears, can also be treated through arthroscopy. The surgeon can evaluate and address the condition of the bicep tendon using the arthroscope, performing procedures like tenodesis or tenotomy to alleviate pain and restore normal bicep function.
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee
Conditions such as meniscus tears, ACL ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and synovitis can be effectively addressed through arthroscopic surgery of the knee.
Meniscus tears are among the most common knee injuries, and arthroscopic surgery allows for the repair or removal of the damaged meniscus. During the procedure, the surgeon uses specialized instruments to trim, repair, or suture the torn meniscus back into place.
Ligament injuries, such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, can also be addressed using arthroscopy. The orthopedic surgeon can reconstruct the torn ligament using grafts and arthroscopic techniques, restoring stability and function to the knee.
If the knee sustains cartilage damage, arthroscopy can be used in the removal of loose or damaged cartilage fragments, as well as in techniques like microfracture or cartilage transplantation to stimulate the growth of new cartilage.
Arthroscopy is also effective in treating synovitis, which is inflammation of the synovial lining of the knee joint. Through arthroscopic techniques, surgeons can remove the inflamed synovial tissue.
Recovery and Post-operative Care
Following arthroscopy, you will be taken to the recovery area for observation. Most arthroscopic procedures allow for a shorter hospital stay. Many patients can return home on the same day as the surgery.
Post-operative patients are given specific instructions on medications, diet, wound care, physical therapy exercises, and limitations on activities to promote healing and rehabilitation of the joint.
Recovery times vary depending on the individual and the specific procedure performed, but most patients can expect a relatively quick recovery compared to open surgery.
Benefits of Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery. These benefits include:
- Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
- Less bleeding and lower risk of complications
- Less disruption to surrounding tissues and muscles
- Faster recovery time and shorter hospital stay
Arthroscopy in Dover, NJ
The orthopedic surgeons at Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey (OAWJ) specialize in arthroscopic repair. Our doctors combine years of specialized training and experience to give our patients the best outcomes from this highly advanced, minimally invasive procedure. We treat adult and teen patients regularly, who are experiencing orthopedic pain from sports or work.
Find out if you are a good candidate for arthroscopy. Schedule an appointment with one of our doctors. Call our office today at (973) 989-0888 or use our online request form.
