Arthroscopy Surgery: Minimally Invasive Joint Diagnosis and Treatment

Arthroscopy is a surgical technique doctors use to inspect, diagnose, and treat joint issues. It can be performed on any joint, but is most commonly done on the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, or wrist. This procedure is minimally invasive, causing less trauma than traditional surgery. Surgeons use special equipment to look inside the joint to diagnose and correct injured tissue. The process is done through small incisions and thus causes minimum discomfort, leading to quick healing.

Why Would You Need an Arthroscopy Surgery?

Arthroscopy surgery is performed to treat joint injuries and conditions that lead to inflammation or joint damage. Knee arthroscopy surgery is the most common procedure. It is also used to treat shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, and wrist problems. It is a common procedure done by ortho doctors to treat sports injuries and traumatic accidents.

Conditions that Most Often Require Arthroscopic Surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is commonly performed to diagnose and treat various joint conditions caused by injuries, inflammation, or degenerative diseases.

Knee

• Meniscal tears
• Anterior / Posterior cruciate ligament tears with instability
• Medial/Lateral Collateral Ligament tears
• Cartilage defects (Wearing or injury of the cartilage cushion)
• Medial Patellofemoral ligament tear
• Septic arthritis/ Synovitis/ Loose bodies

Shoulder

• Recurrent dislocations/Instability
• Rotator cuff tears
• Impingement syndrome
• SLAP tear
• Frozen Shoulder
• Septic arthritis/ Synovitis/ Loose bodies

Hip

• Femoroacetabular Impingements
• Labral lesions
• Osteonecrosis
• Septic arthritis/ Synovitis/ Loose bodies

Elbow

• Tennis/Golfers Elbow
• Adhesiolysis for stiffness
• Septic arthritis/ Synovitis/ Loose bodies

Ankle

• Impingements
• OCD
• Arthrodesis for arthritis
• Instability
• Septic arthritis/ Synovitis/ Loose bodies

Wrist

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Triangular fibrocartilage tear
• Septic arthritis/ Synovitis/ Loose bodies

How is Arthroscopy Surgery Done

Arthroscopy is a low-impact surgical technique used to identify and address joint problems. The process involves the following steps.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

You will be instructed to fast for several hours before the surgery if general anesthesia is scheduled. You may be advised to avoid specific medications, particularly blood thinners, to lower the risk of bleeding. The surgical team will insert an intravenous (IV) line into your hand or arm to deliver anesthesia and fluids throughout the procedure.

Administering Anesthesia

The surgeon may choose from different types of anesthesia based on the joint involved and the procedure’s complexity.

• Local Anesthesia: Numb a small area around the joint while you remain awake.
• Regional Anesthesia: Numb a larger section of the body, such as the lower half, while you stay conscious.
• General Anesthesia: Puts you into a temporary sleep state for the duration of the surgery.

Incisions and Visualization

The surgeon creates small incisions, roughly the size of a buttonhole, near the affected joint. Through one of the incisions, a thin, flexible tube called an arthroscope is inserted. The arthroscope is equipped with a camera and a light source, which transmits real-time images of the joint to a monitor. This enables the surgeon to thoroughly inspect the joint.

Surgical Intervention

If any issues are detected, the surgeon may perform corrective procedures during the same session. The surgeon uses specialized instruments inserted through small incisions to trim, repair, or remove damaged tissue, ligaments, or cartilage. Sterile fluid may be injected to widen the joint space, enhancing visibility and maneuverability.

Closing the Incisions

After the procedure, the instruments are withdrawn, and the joint is rinsed with a sterile solution. The incisions are then closed with a few stitches or adhesive strips, and the area is covered with a sterile bandage.

Post-Surgery Care

After the surgery, you will be monitored for a few hours in a recovery area. You may be given pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. Ice packs and elevation are often recommended to reduce swelling. Depending on the joint treated, you may need to use crutches, slings, or braces for support during recovery.

How Long is the Recovery After Surgery?

Recovery time is mostly quick. Immediately after the surgery, you will need Braces, splints or slings for support. There is less pain and stiffness when compared to open surgery, and recovery is faster with little or no hospital stay. You will be prescribed antibiotics, blood thinners, and painkillers to prevent infection and blood clots, and to manage pain.

You may be able to remove the surgical bandages a day after the surgery and replace them with small strips. In about 2 weeks, the surgeon will remove non-dissolvable stitches, if any. Use ice packs during the first 24 hours to help reduce swelling. If you’ve had an arthroscopy surgery on your knee, elevate the leg to reduce pain. Take pain medications as directed, and avoid consuming alcohol.

How Soon Can I Get Back to Normal Activities After Surgery?

Immediately after the surgery, you will be asked to refrain from certain strenuous activities based on which joint was treated. Typically, after arthroscopy surgery, you will be able to return to work within a few days of surgery. Joint recovery will take some weeks, and returning to compete normally will take a few months.

With suitable rehabilitation, you will be able to return to normal activities early. Immediately after surgery, the patient should be able to support their weight on the knee while standing or walking, using a brace. They are expected to walk with crutches for 4-6 weeks after surgery. The patient should avoid driving for at least one week following arthroscopic knee surgery, until swelling subsides and knee mobility improves.

Rehabilitation aims to reduce pain and swelling, restore full range of motion, and enable walking with full weight-bearing. If you have a joint problem and have been advised of surgery, contact the arthroscopic surgeons at Rela, the multispeciality Hospital, for quick relief through advanced arthroscopic procedures.