Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera called an arthroscope is inserted into a joint through a small incision. The camera allows the surgeon to see the inside of the joint and diagnose and treat any problems that may be present. This type of surgery is often used to diagnose and treat problems with the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, or ankle.
How arthroscopy is performed?
Arthroscopy is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia, which means they will be asleep and pain-free during the surgery. The surgeon will make a small incision near the affected joint and insert the arthroscope, which is a thin, flexible tube with a light and a camera at the end. The camera sends images of the inside of the joint to a monitor in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to see the structures inside the joint.
The surgeon can then use specialized instruments that are inserted into the joint through additional small incisions to diagnose and treat any problems that are found. For example, if the joint is damaged, the surgeon may remove damaged tissue or smooth rough surfaces on the bones.
After the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures and the patient is taken to a recovery room to be monitored until they are fully awake. The recovery time after arthroscopy can vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual’s overall health, but most people can return to their normal activities within a few weeks.
Why arthroscopy is done?
Arthroscopy is often used to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions that affect the joints, such as:
- Torn or damaged cartilage
- Inflammation of the synovium (the lining of the joint)
- Loose bodies (bits of bone or cartilage that have broken off and are floating in the joint)
- Infection in the joint
- Damage to the ligaments, tendons, or muscles that support the joint
- Scar tissue that is restricting movement in the joint
The main advantage of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that it is less invasive. Because the incisions are smaller and the surgeon can see inside the joint using the camera, there is less damage to the surrounding tissue. This can lead to a faster recovery time and less post-operative pain.
In addition, arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat problems with the joint more accurately than with traditional open surgery. The camera provides a clear view of the inside of the joint, which can help the surgeon identify problems that might not be visible during open surgery. This can lead to more effective treatment and a better outcome for the patient.
Recovery from arthroscopy
Recovery from arthroscopy typically involves a period of rest and physical therapy to help the joint heal and regain strength and mobility. Immediately after the surgery, the patient will be taken to a recovery room where they will be closely monitored until they are fully awake.
The patient will likely be given pain medication to help manage any discomfort and may need to use crutches or a brace to support the joint as it heals. It is important for the patient to follow the surgeon’s instructions for wound care and to avoid putting too much weight on the joint while it heals.
Most people are able to return to their normal activities within a few weeks, but the exact recovery time will depend on the individual’s overall health and the specific procedure that was performed. The surgeon will provide detailed instructions for the recovery period and will monitor the patient’s progress to ensure that the joint is healing properly.
Physical therapy is often recommended after arthroscopy to help restore the range of motion and strength of the joint. The therapist will work with the patient to develop a customized exercise program that is tailored to their specific needs and goals. This may involve a combination of stretching, strengthening, and range-of-motion exercises.
In most cases, the patient will need to continue with physical therapy for several weeks to months after the surgery to ensure that the joint heals properly and regains full function. The therapist will provide guidance and support throughout the recovery process to help the patient return to normal activities as quickly and safely as possible.
Have any questions?
If you have any questions regarding arthroscopy treatment in Kolkata, or any other treatment in general, like ligament injury treatment in Kolkata, reach out to an orthopedic doctor and ask. They can provide you with more objective answers based on your distinct needs or case.