Whenever joint pain flares up, discovering an effective treatment is critical. Arthroscopy has been a groundbreaking surgery technique that has relieved millions of Australians with joint injuries. The surgery is performed with minimal incision and allows surgeons to diagnose and treat various joint problems with maximal precision while reducing patient discomfort and healing time significantly.
Learning about how arthroscopy functions and its procedures can aid you to make informed decisions regarding your joint health care procedures.
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is keyhole surgery using a small, bendy telescope called an arthroscope to scan and repair joint issues. Unlike open surgery, with its large cuts to open up and see inside a joint, arthroscopy is performed by using extremely small keyhole cuts – usually smaller than a buttonhole.
The pencil-thin arthroscope is passed through one of these minuscule incisions. The arthroscope broadcasts high-definition images to a TV monitor, so surgeons can see clearly inside the joint’s structures. Small incisions can be made to introduce specialised instruments if surgery is needed.
The arthroscopic technique is quite distinct from conventional surgery, through which surgeons are compelled to cut through skin, muscle, and other tissues to get to a joint. The cutting-edge orthopaedic options for patients today are represented by arthroscopic technology as a minimally invasive approach.
Common Joint Injuries Treated with Arthroscopy
Knee Injuries
Arthroscopy is especially useful to treat many knee issues. Tears to the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament), which are extremely common among athletes and those who are active, are frequently fixed or rebuilt with arthroscopic procedures. Tears to the meniscus and cartilage lining the knee joint itself are another common arthroscopic recipient.
Shoulder Conditions
Shoulder arthroscopy is a treatment for rotator cuff tears, involving the group of muscles and their corresponding tendon supporting the shoulder joint. The condition is normally brought about by repetitive motion or deterioration with age. Rotator cuff tear arthroscopic repair has generally superior results to open surgery.
Hip and Ankle Problems
Even though it is less frequent when compared to knee and shoulder surgery, arthroscopy of the hip and ankle is worthwhile to treat labral tears, cartilage loss, and impingement syndrome. Surgery reduces chronic pain and restores mobility to a joint.
Advantages of Arthroscopy
Minimal Scarring
The tiny cuts involved with arthroscopy create much less scarring than with surgery. The majority of patients only have extremely small scarring that disappears greatly with time.
Faster Recovery Rates
Recovery from arthroscopic surgery is usually substantially less time-consuming than open surgery. Many patients are fully active within weeks rather than months, depending on some procedures and individual healing factors.
Less Pain and Complications
The incisions are smaller, hence less damage to tissue and less post-operative pain. The chances of getting other complications and infection are minimal, owing to minimal invasion.
Same-Day or Extremely Short Hospital Stays
Most arthroscopic procedures are performed as day surgery to allow patients to return home the same day. Overnight stays are generally brief, when necessary.
Your Joint Health Recovery Guide
Arthroscopy has transformed care for joint injuries and is offering patients effective solutions with minimal disruption to life. If you discover you’re experiencing chronic joint pain, or you’ve received a diagnosis for a joint injury, discussing arthroscopic options with your orthopaedic surgeon can potentially put you a step closer to full health.
The groundbreaking surgery is ever-changing and has brought relief and rejuvenation to those with joint issues who are continuing to lead active, rewarding lives!
