- Home
- Arthroscopic Surgery
![](https://neotruenorthhospitals.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2024/06/shutterstock_1220489041-1-1024x715.jpg)
Understanding Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It involves the use of an arthroscope, a small camera inserted into the joint through a tiny incision, which allows the surgeon to view the joint on a monitor and perform necessary repairs with specialized instruments. This procedure is commonly used for conditions affecting the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, and hip joints.
Indications for Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is indicated for a variety of joint conditions, including:
- Torn Ligaments: Such as ACL or MCL tears in the knee.
- Torn Cartilage: Including meniscus tears.
- Joint Inflammation: Such as synovitis.
- Loose Bone or Cartilage Fragments: Causing joint pain or dysfunction.
- Damaged Joint Surfaces: Due to conditions like arthritis.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: In the shoulder.
- Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
- Labral Tears: In the hip or shoulder.
The Arthroscopic Surgery Procedure
Arthroscopic surgery involves making small incisions in the skin and inserting an arthroscope and surgical instruments to diagnose and treat joint problems.
Preoperative Evaluation
- Assessment: Patients undergo a thorough evaluation, including physical examination, imaging studies (such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans), and possibly blood tests to determine the necessity and plan for the procedure.
- Preparation: Patients receive pre-operative instructions, which may include fasting guidelines and medication adjustments.
Surgical Procedure
- Anesthesia: Local, regional, or general anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
- Incisions: Small incisions, typically less than half an inch, are made around the joint to insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments.
- Arthroscopic Examination: The surgeon inserts the arthroscope, which transmits images of the joint interior to a monitor, allowing for a detailed examination.
- Treatment: Specialized instruments are used to repair or remove damaged tissue, such as trimming torn cartilage, repairing ligaments, or removing loose fragments.
- Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or sterile adhesive strips, and a sterile dressing is applied.
- Duration: The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the condition being treated.
Postoperative Care
- Recovery: Patients are monitored in the recovery room for a few hours and may go home the same day. Instructions for care at home are provided.
- Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications may be recommended to manage postoperative discomfort.
- Physical Therapy: A tailored rehabilitation program is often prescribed to restore joint function, strength, and mobility.
- Activity Restrictions: Patients should avoid strenuous activities and follow the surgeon’s guidelines for resuming normal activities.
- Follow-Up Care: Scheduling follow-up appointments to monitor healing, remove sutures if necessary, and discuss any concerns.
Potential Risks and Complications
While arthroscopic surgery is generally safe, it carries certain risks and potential complications, including:
- Infection: At the incision sites or within the joint, which may require antibiotics.
- Bleeding: Excessive bleeding may occur, necessitating further medical attention.
- Blood Clots: Formation of clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis).
- Joint Stiffness: Temporary or, in rare cases, permanent stiffness in the joint.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Injury: Possible injury to surrounding nerves or blood vessels.
Why Choose Neo TrueNorth for Your Arthroscopic Surgery?
- Experienced Surgeons: Our board-certified orthopedic surgeons specialize in performing arthroscopic surgeries with precision and care.
- Advanced Diagnostic Tools: Neo TrueNorth is equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic technology to accurately evaluate and plan effective treatment for joint conditions.
- Personalized Care: We provide individualized care plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs and health status, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
- Comprehensive Support: Our multidisciplinary team offers comprehensive support, including pre-operative counseling, post-operative care, physical therapy, and follow-up consultations, to ensure a positive surgical experience.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Neo TrueNorth is equipped with modern surgical facilities and the latest technology to provide safe and successful arthroscopic surgeries in a comfortable environment.
Trust Neo TrueNorth for expert care in arthroscopic surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options.
Meet Our Experts
Dr Neel Patel
MBBS, DNB - Orthopedics/Orthopedic Surgery
Dr Deepak A
MBBS, Diploma in Orthopaedics
Dr Nagendra Prasad K
MS - Orthopaedics, MBBS