Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by orthopedic surgeons to
diagnose and treat problems in joints. It involves using a tiny camera, called an
arthroscope, which is inserted through small incisions in the skin near the joint. The
arthroscope has a light source and a camera that allows the surgeon to visualize the
inside of the joint on a screen in real-time. This provides a clear view of the joint's
structures, such as cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and bones
During an arthroscopy, the surgeon can diagnose various joint conditions, such as
torn cartilage, damaged ligaments, joint inflammation, or signs of arthritis. Additionally,
certain treatments can be performed through arthroscopy, including
- Repair - Damaged tissues like torn cartilage or ligaments can often be repaired
using small instruments inserted through additional incisions during the procedure.
- Removal - In some cases, damaged tissue or loose fragments can be removed
from the joint.
- Cleaning - The surgeon can clean out debris, inflamed tissue, or foreign objects
from the joint
- Reshaping - Procedures like smoothing rough surfaces of bones or reshaping
damaged cartilage can sometimes be performed using specialized instruments.
Arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which often leads to quicker
recovery times, less post-operative pain, and reduced risk of complications. It's
commonly used in knee, shoulder, hip, wrist, ankle, and elbow joints, among others.
However, its suitability depends on the specific condition and the patient's health.
The recovery period after arthroscopy varies depending on the complexity of the
procedure and the individual's healing process, but it generally involves physical
therapy and gradually increasing activity levels as guided by the surgeon
