Orthopedic problems, such as ACL tears and carpal tunnel syndrome, used to require complex surgeries with large incisions and lengthy recoveries. Eliminate all that with an arthroscopy procedure from your orthopedic specialists. Learn about arthroscopy, and let us help you decide if it’s the right surgery technique for you.
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical technique used to perform a plethora of procedures. It is a small incision surgery often used by orthopedic surgeons across the United States. Known for their small incisions, limited suturing, and short recovery times, arthroscopic surgeries revise or repair joint problems in the hip, shoulder, knee, ankle, and wrist – as well as many other body parts.
Most arthroscopies are same-day, outpatient procedures that need general or even local anesthesia. Using a thin, lighted scope, the orthopedic surgeon introduces a cutting tool guided by a tiny camera that produces real-time video images to a nearby computer screen. They use tiny tools to accomplish the surgical goal through tiny incisions.
What Kinds of Arthroscopic Surgeries Are There?
Arthroscopy is a highly versatile surgical technique. It is used more and more frequently as the most workable and favorable procedure, substituting for many large-incision, or open, types of surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon can use arthroscopic surgery to:
- Relieve joint capsule inflammation from knee osteoarthritis
- Repair torn anterior or posterior cruciate ligaments in the knee
- Repair torn meniscus (knee cartilage)
- Relieve carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist
- Revise the muscle or ligament responsible for snapping hip syndrome
- Relieve shoulder impingement (pinched nerve)
- Remove small bone fragments and calcifications in the synovial fluid in the knee
Can I Get an Arthroscopic Surgery For My Knee Arthritis?
If you are in good general health, chances are you can undergo an arthroscopic procedure at The Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL. Your orthopedic surgeon will review your medical history, do an in-office exam, and order diagnostic imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging, to fully understand the nature of your pain, inflammation, poor mobility, and range of motion issues.
From there, they’ll formulate your treatment plan. While arthroscopic surgery is a great option, it’s not recommended for every patient. Before recommending any surgery, your orthopedic doctor will suggest conservative treatments. Pain management medications, physical therapy, and other treatments may precede your arthroscopic surgery.
Is Recovery Difficult?
After arthroscopic surgery, you go home to rest and recover your operated body part. You may wear an immobilization device or use crutches as warranted. As your doctor allows, you’ll return to light household tasks, work or school, and driving. You may take a limited amount of pain medication as needed, particularly if you begin physical therapy exercises.
In summary, your recovery should proceed without complications. It should be relatively quick, because of the minimally-invasive nature of the arthroscopic procedure.
The Finest Orthopedic Procedures, Testing and Therapy Are at Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, FL
Our care is both specialized and comprehensive. Everything you need for functional, healthy joints is right here. If you believe arthroscopic surgery is right for you, please contact us at (239) 261-2663 for an in-depth consultation with one of our five highly qualified physicians. Or, please use our online appointment request form.
