Life after Arthroscopy Surgery
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize, diagnose, and treat joint problems. During arthroscopy, an orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and then inserts a tiny button-hole-sized instrument containing a small lens and an illumination system to magnify the structures within the joint. Light is transmitted through optical fibers to the tip of the arthroscope, which is inserted into the joint. Light is transmitted through optical fibers to the tip of the arthroscope, which is inserted into the joint. The other end of the same arthroscope is connected to a television. The screen of the television displays the inside pictures and the view of the joint. This further helps the surgeon to evaluate the joint and properly analyze it for any possible ailment.
Why Is Arthroscopy Done?
Arthroscopy is majorly done to diagnose and treat certain underlying issues of the joint. Diagnosis of injuries and diseases of the joints usually begins with a detailed medical history, physical examination, and/or radiography. Additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, may be needed. Arthroscopy provides a definitive diagnosis, which may be more accurate than “open” surgery or x-rays.
Normal Joint Conditions That Are Diagnosed With The Help Of Arthroscopy
- Synovitis in the essential joints such as the knee joint, hip joint, ankle joint, shoulder joint, wrist joint, and many more.
- Acute and chronic injuries.
- Rotator cuff injury
- Impingement syndrome
- Meniscal tears
- Loose bodies of bone and/or cartilage
Although all joints can be seen with arthroscopy, 6 joints are most often examined with this instrument. These include knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles, hips, and wrists. As electronic engineers and orthopedic surgeons develop new technologies, other joints may be treated more frequently in the future.
Arthroscopy Procedure
- The arthroscope is inserted through a small incision (the size of a loop) under appropriate anesthesia.
- One can make several different incisions to see different parts of the joint.
- This surgery is performed using specially designed instruments that are inserted into the joint through an additional incision.
- With the development of more advanced surgical instruments and techniques, many diseases can be treated arthroscopically such as knee meniscal tears.
These are some of the common treatments that are undertaken using arthroscopic procedures-
- Rotator cuff procedure
- Repair of torn cartilage from the knee
- Repair of torn cartilage from the knee
- Reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee
- Removal of inflamed lining or synovitis
- Removal of loose bone or cartilage in knee, shoulder, elbow, or wrist
What Can You Expect After Arthroscopy?
- Recovery after arthroscopic surgery is usually quick. However, the exact duration and recovery process depends upon the type of surgery performed. It also varies from one individual to another.
- Minor puncture wounds may take several days to heal. Surgical dressings can usually be removed the morning after surgery, and a bandage can be used to cover small wounds.
- Although the puncture wound is minor and arthroscopic joint pain is minimal, complete healing of the joint may take several weeks.
- Special interventions and rehabilitation programs may be offered to speed recovery and protect future joint function.
- It is not uncommon for patients to return to work or school or resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and people in good shape can sometimes resume playing sports after a few weeks.
Wrapping Up
If you are looking forward to getting an arthroscopic procedure, you should look no further. Dr. Biren Nadkarni is the best arthroscopic and Orthopedic surgeon in Delhi, NCR. With experience spanning over 20 years, Dr. Biren Nadkarni has performed thousands of orthopedic surgeries including all types of arthroscopic surgeries. He currently works at the Sitaram Bhartia Research Institute and Holy Family Hospital. Dr. Biren Nadkarni is an expert in diagnosing and treating all orthopedic conditions with surgical and non-surgical procedures.