Arthroscopic Surgery can be a useful opportunity for doctors to get a better look inside the joint of a patient who is experiencing pain or discomfort in a specific area. Rather than simply getting an X-ray to evaluate an injury, arthroscopy allows you to view the inside of the joint itself, and utilize small tools to correct any issues once the situation has been evaluated.
This minimally-invasive procedure is an incredibly useful way for doctors to confirm and diagnose an injury, and then treat the issue all in one sitting.
The most common joints treated through arthroscopic surgery are:
There are often instances where patients and doctors need to get a better understanding at what is causing an individual pain or discomfort, and an arthroscopic surgery can help determine and alleviate that issue. There are countless different injuries and complications that can lead a patient to ultimately undergo this procedure.
Some of the more common instances are:
- Inflammation
- Acute injuries
- Chronic injuries
- Arthritis
- Torn ligaments
- Damaged cartilage
Choosing to proceed with arthroscopic surgery can be a big decision. There are many different aspects to take into consideration before moving forward with the operation. However, the health benefits that are associated with these procedures, in comparison to much larger surgeries, can help a patient make the choice that is right for them.
Some of the most notable benefits of arthroscopic surgery include:
- High Precision Rate – Arthroscopy takes doctors directly inside of a joint in order to gain a better understanding of what is causing discomfort for an individual. This high level of precision gives both doctors and patients more information than an x-ray or open surgery would allow for a joint injury. An arthroscope is a fiber-optic device that lets you view what is happening on the inside of a joint, without needing to make a very large incision in a patient. This scope has a camera lens on the end of it, allowing doctors to look directly into the body through the incision, or project the image onto a monitor within the operating room to get a better view at what is being operated on. There they can visualize, evaluate, diagnose, and treat the issue all in one procedure.
- Minimal Invasion – The size of the arthroscope, and any tools needed to treat the injury, require only a few small incisions surrounding the operable area. Rather than undergoing an open surgery, arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive for the patient, resulting in minimal blood loss, and much less trauma to any connective tissues surrounding the joint being operated on. Compared to more serious surgical procedures, the small incisions cause less scaring and scar tissue, which inevitably leads to less pain, stiffness, and general obstacles during the recovery and rehabilitation process.
- Low Surgical Risk – As with any surgery, patients should be aware of any and all potential risks involved with undergoing a procedure. However, arthroscopic surgeries have a very high success rate, allowing for very little surgical risk. Due to arthroscopy being minimally invasive, there is less overall damage and insult being done to the body itself, creating a much smaller opportunity for something to go awry, or cause the patient any additional issues during the recovery process. Aside from the general risks involved with any surgery, arthroscopic procedures do not come with any supplementary concerns.
- Swift Recovery – As mentioned above, the procedure being minimally invasive allows for a much quicker recovery period for most patients. The few small incisions involved in arthroscopic surgeries do not require doctors to cut through various muscles and tendons, resulting in much less bruising, scaring, and overall post-operative pain for patients. While those undergoing arthroscopy should anticipate some stiffness or weakness in the joint immediately following the operation, they can expect to regain even more use from the joint than they had prior to the surgery while they were still injured. In addition, most if not all weaknesses following an arthroscopic surgery can easily be treated and corrected through physical therapy.
Each patient is going to have their own specific needs and challenges when it comes to treating their joint pain. The surgery and the amount of time needed in order to fully recover will vary on a case-by-case basis. While some injuries can be more complex, many of those being treated through arthroscopy come with a very low risk for any complications during or after the procedure.
Undergoing an arthroscopic surgery has the potential to alleviate a number of different issues within a joint, regain the use of an injured part of the body, and benefit your overall health in the long run. Speak with your physician to determine whether or not you should consider an arthroscopic procedure, or contact us today in order to schedule an onsite consultation.
Dr. Leon Popovitz and Dr. Micael Mizhiritsky, along with their team of best-in-class orthopedic physicians, are known for their exemplary orthopedic surgical skill and best-rated physical medicine and rehabilitation program. This, along with their top in-office physical therapy and long-term sports rehabilitation processes, leads to athletes of all levels returning to their top physical potential. Contact us today to schedule a consult!
