Arthroscopy Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that treats joint issues. An arthroscope is a long tube that transmits light and video.  Arthroscopy allows surgeons to view the insides of the joint without a large incision and without harming the surrounding tissue. There are many types of arthroscopy, such as ankle, elbow, hip, knee, and shoulder arthroscopies. Common cases that require arthroscopies are cartilage or ligament tears, joint instability, nerve compression syndromes such as carpal tunnel, or synovitis, which is an early stage of rheumatoid arthritis.

Most arthroscopic surgeries are outpatient procedures, but still require anesthesia. They require health screening tests, the limit of certain medications temporarily, and fasting. There are very few risks in arthroscopic surgeries. Rare risks are blood clots. Excessive bleeding, tissue damage, infection, temporary nerve injury, or stiffness. The benefits highly outweigh the risks when it comes to arthroscopic surgery. Benefits include a decrease in pain, minimal blood loss and scarring, and the ability to partake in physical activities. 

During surgery, you begin by undergoing anesthesia. Smaller surgeries will numb the joint while the patient is awake, while larger surgeries will have the patient undergo full anesthesia to sleep. Local, regional, or general anesthesia is dependent upon the patient and the surgeon, and what fits best for the surgery. Then, a surgeon begins by placing a device on your joint to hold it in position. They will make a small incision, typically less than half an inch, and insert the arthroscope. They input slime to increase and expand the joint to operate. They will also make necessary small incisions in other areas that require ports for tools. During the surgery, the surgeon may release a compressed nerve, remove damaged tissues, repair tissues or bones, or adjust the joints in your body.

After the surgery, the patient will return home with a splint or brace to keep the procedure in place. It is promoted to partake in specific exercises that make the joint heal quickly and become stronger. Recovery can take between weeks and months, depending on how big the incision was. The patient may be given medicines prescribed for pain and inflammation. Resting for several days reduces swelling and pain as well. 

Written by Urvi Vora and Incisionary

References

Cleveland Clinic. (2021, September 9). Arthroscopy: What Is It, Procedure, Results & Recovery. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21801-arthroscopy

Mayo Clinic. (2022, August 19). Arthroscopy - Mayo Clinic. Www.mayoclinic.org. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/arthroscopy/about/pac-20392974