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Arthroscopic Surgery of the Shoulder and Knee

 

What is Arthroscopic Surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in the shoulder and knee joints. Instead of making large incisions, arthroscopic surgery involves using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialized surgical instruments inserted through small incisions to access and visualize the inside of the joint.

Shoulder Arthroscopy: During shoulder arthroscopy, the patient is typically placed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon makes small incisions around the shoulder joint. The arthroscope is then inserted through one of these incisions to examine the structures inside the joint, such as the rotator cuff, labrum, ligaments, and cartilage. The surgeon can also use specialized instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue, address impingement, or treat conditions like shoulder instability or frozen shoulder.

Knee Arthroscopy: Knee arthroscopy follows a similar process. The patient is put under general or regional anesthesia, and small incisions are made around the knee joint. The arthroscope is inserted, allowing the surgeon to assess the condition of the meniscus, ligaments, cartilage, and synovium. Common knee arthroscopic procedures include meniscus repair, ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) reconstruction, removal of loose bodies, and smoothing of damaged cartilage (chondroplasty).

Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery: 

Compared to traditional open surgery, arthroscopic surgery offers several advantages, including:

  1. Minimally invasive: Smaller incisions result in less tissue damage and scarring.
  2. Quicker recovery: Patients generally experience faster recovery and reduced postoperative pain.
  3. Lower risk of complications: The risk of infection and other surgical complications is lower.
  4. Improved visualization: The arthroscope provides a clear view of the joint's interior, aiding in accurate diagnosis and precise surgical interventions.

It's important to note that not all shoulder or knee conditions can be treated with arthroscopy. The suitability of the procedure depends on the specific diagnosis and the surgeon's assessment. Your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment option, which may or may not involve arthroscopic surgery.

Ask your primary care doctor for a referral to an orthopaedic surgeon, or book an appointment online.