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What is Arthroscopic Surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical procedure in which an arthroscope and other surgical instruments are inserted through tiny incisions in the skin to examine and treat the interior formation of a joint for various problems.
The arthroscope is an endoscopic device with a camera attached to it, which enables the orthopedic surgeon to view the internal structures. The arthroscope is of various sizes and a joint is examined with an arthroscope that is suited to its size.
The different types of arthroscopic surgeries are:
- Knee Arthroscopy
- Shoulder Arthroscopy
- Hip Arthroscopy
- Ankle Arthroscopy
- Elbow Arthroscopy
- Wrist Arthroscopy
- Spinal Arthroscopy
How is Arthroscopic Surgery Performed?
- A small incision is made on the side of the joint that needs to be treated through which the arthroscope is inserted.
- Other tiny incisions are made through which surgical instruments are inserted.
- These instruments are used to cut, remove and stitch injured tissues.
- After the surgery is completed, the arthroscope is withdrawn and the incision is closed with sutures.
- A dressing is used to cover the incision area and a brace may be used to wrap around the joint.
How to Prepare for Arthroscopic Surgery?
- The patient is physically examined before the surgery.
- The patient is required to do some blood and urine tests.
- The doctor should be informed about any medication that the patient may be taking.
- Certain medication that the patient has been taking may be stopped two weeks before the surgery.
- The doctor should be informed about any medical conditions or ailments of the patient.
- The doctor should be informed if the patient has been drinking more than one or two drinks of alcohol in a day.
- The patient should stop smoking some weeks prior to the surgery to recover quickly.
Days admitted:Arthroscopic surgery is usually done as an outpatient procedure.
Anesthesia:The type of anesthesia is chosen depending on the joint that is being treated and the health of the patient.
Recovery:- The patient is taken to a recovery room until the patient comes out of the effects of anesthesia.
- Pain medication may be given to the patient.
- The surgical incisions are small and heal quickly.
- The patient is required to rest for several days after the surgery and keep the joint elevated.
- Ice packs may be applied to minimize swelling and pain.
- The patient is required to undergo an exercise program that helps in strengthening the patient’s muscles. This also prevents contracture of the surrounding tissues.
Risks:The risks that may occur in arthroscopic surgery are rare. They include the following:
- Infection
- Severe bleeding
- Swelling
- Blood clotting
- Injury to nerve and blood vessels
- Breakage of surgical instruments during the surgery
After care:- The incision area should be kept clean and dry.
- The surgeon or nurse will remove the surgical bandages.
- The doctor’s instructions should be followed carefully.
- The patient may be required to undergo physical therapy.
Any signs of infection should be reported to the doctor. These include:
- Severe joint pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Bleeding
- Warmth
Learn more about Arthroscopic Surgery