What is an arthroscope?
An arthroscope is an instrument that allows your doctor to look directly into the joint that is bothering you. This consists of a camera and lens about the size of a pen. This is the most accurate way to diagnose a problem in a joint. In addition, the arthroscope allows concomitant treatment of the problem as well.
The role of arthroscopy:
Joints are beautifully designed to give our bodies freedom of movement. But the wear and tear of an active lifestyle, the normal aging process, disease, or accidental injury can cause joints to develop problems. No matter what your age, arthroscopy can be a crucial component in the successful diagnosis and treatment of your problem joint.
Advantages and limitations of arthroscopy:
Once the knee was the sole beneficiary of arthroscopy, but now a variety of joints can enjoy its advantages. With arthroscopy, your surgeon can reach a more accurate diagnosis, prescribe appropriate treatment, and perform many surgical procedures. Because the work is done through small incisions, it is usually a same day procedure and there is less trauma to the tissue, which makes for better healing. Arthroscopy has now reached the point where surgeons are performing many of the same procedures that were done in open surgery, but through the smaller arthroscopy incisions. These advanced procedures can be technically challenging, and additional specialized training is often needed to master these techniques. But arthroscopy is not the perfect solution for every condition. In addition, full recovery includes a period of healing and rehabilitation.
Getting back to activity may take time:
Because arthroscopy can now include extensive surgical treatment in addition to diagnosis, your joint may take some time to recover. Depending upon your condition and the procedure, healing and rehabilitation may take weeks, or up to a year. Recovery may include crutches, physical therapy, and perhaps a brace or change in activity.
Examples of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Arthroscopy:
Arthroscopy of the Knee , Shoulder, Ankle, Elbow, Wrist, and Hip.
Your arthroscopy experience:
Before doing arthroscopy, a complete evaluation is needed to have as accurate a diagnosis as possible. This may include a medical history, a physical examination, and diagnostic tests. On the basis of these, arthroscopy may then be indicated if non-surgical treatment has failed or is inappropriate.
- Pre-operative
- Laboratory tests
- Decide on anesthesia
- The procedure
- Extent and duration dependent on pathology
- Usually anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes of operative time
- Post-operative
- A nurse monitors your progress in the recovery room
- Ice and elevation of surgical limb
- Start simple exercises
- Home recovery
- Follow instructions on discharge sheet
- Follow-up appointment in 1-2 weeks with surgeon
