Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure to examine and treat joint conditions using an arthroscope. It became popular in the 1960s with the advent of fiberoptic technologies and is now commonly performed by orthopedic surgeons on an outpatient basis.

The technique involves inserting an arthroscope, a tube with optical fibers and lenses, through small incisions to view the joint on a television monitor. The size of the arthroscope varies depending on the joint being examined. For example, a knee arthroscope is approximately 5 millimeters in diameter, while smaller arthroscopes are used for joints like the wrist.

If procedures are performed in addition to examination, it is called arthroscopic surgery. This approach often causes less tissue trauma, less pain, and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical techniques.

For what diseases or conditions is arthroscopy considered?

Arthroscopy is helpful in diagnosing and treating various types of arthritis, joint injuries, and infections.

Noninflammatory degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, presents as frayed and irregular cartilage, which can be visualized through arthroscopy. A new treatment for isolated cartilage injuries involves growing a patient’s own cartilage cells in the laboratory and reimplanting them using arthroscopy.

Inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, can sometimes benefit from arthroscopic removal of inflamed joint tissue (synovectomy). This allows for biopsy and examination of the synovium to determine the cause of inflammation or identify infections.

Arthroscopy is commonly used to address knee joint injuries such as cartilage tears, ligament strains and tears, and patellar cartilage deterioration. It can also be used to evaluate and treat conditions in other joints.

Lastly, arthroscopy can remove loose tissues, foreign objects, or small particles that become lodged within the joint.

QUESTION

What do people do to prepare for arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a low-risk procedure, but the patient’s overall health is considered. The patient should be able to tolerate anesthesia and have adequate heart, kidney, liver, and lung function. Patients on blood thinners should have their medications adjusted before surgery. Other medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure should be controlled.

Preoperative evaluation usually includes a physical examination, blood tests, and a urinalysis. Patients with heart or lung problems or those over 50 may need additional tests. Ongoing infections may postpone the procedure.

What specialties of doctors perform arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is performed by orthopedic surgeons.

How do medical professionals perform arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient receives fluids and anesthesia through an intravenous line. The type of anesthesia used depends on the joint and the patient’s health. After anesthesia, incisions are made to insert the arthroscope and additional instruments if necessary for repairs. Once the procedure is complete, the arthroscope is removed, incisions are closed, and a dressing is applied.

What is the recovery time for arthroscopy?

Immediately after arthroscopy, patients may be sleepy, but medications control pain. Incisions are small and bandaged, and patients are usually advised to rest and elevate the joint while applying ice packs for pain and swelling. Physical therapy is gradually introduced to strengthen muscles and restore joint stability and range of motion.

Advancements in arthroscopic instruments have allowed for the examination of smaller joints, making arthroscopy an essential tool for orthopedic surgery.

What are potential complications of arthroscopy?

Potential complications of arthroscopy, though rare, may include bleeding into the joint, infection, and side effects from anesthesia.

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