Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat many joint conditions in an outpatient setting. An arthroscope is a small tube that contains a system of lenses, a video camera, and a light. This tube is inserted into the body to view and treat joint conditions, such as inflammation, tendon/cartilage/ligament tears, injured or worn out cartilage cushioning, or pieces of loose bone or cartilage.
The joints that are most often examined with arthroscopy are knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles, hips, and wrists. The small camera is connected to a monitoring system that enables the surgeon to view the surgery while it is being performed.
Though individual surgeries vary, arthroscopic surgeries generally follow this process:
- 1. A patient will receive a general, local, or spinal anesthetic.
- 2. A small incision is made.
- 3. The arthroscope is inserted through the incision.
- 4. Additional incisions may be made for other surgical tools.
- 5. Light is transmitted at the end of the arthroscope.
- 6. Footage of and information about the interior of the joint is transmitted to a screen.
- 7. If needed, corrective surgery may be performed during the diagnostic procedure.
- 8. The incisions are closed and bandages and/or dressings are applied.
Arthroscopic surgery, most often an outpatient procedure, has proven to be an effective tool in treating damaged joints and helping patients return to an active lifestyle. Talk with a physician at South Palm Orthopedics about any further questions you may have about arthroscopic surgeries.
The physicians at South Palm Orthopedics are committed to providing the highest orthopedic care level to every patient each time. Our physicians' team provides an advanced level of care, integrating the newest cutting-edge surgical and nonsurgical techniques with proven traditional methods of treatments.