Arthroscopy Treatments

An arthroscopy refers to the type of keyhole surgery that is used for the dual purpose of diagnosing problems with the joints and repairing damage done to the same. The procedure is usually [performed on knees, wrists, elbows, ankles and shoulders. This surgery is recommended for those suffering from problems with joints, such as swelling or stiffness and whose initial imaging tests have not been able to determine its cause. An arthroscopy is then used to look at the inside of the joint.
Orthotech is a clinic that is renowned for performing this surgery under the experienced guidance of Dr. Neeraj Bijlani. We make use of standard instruments and sophisticated technology to ensure absolute safety and the success of the surgery performed by us.

Why is arthroscopy necessary?
Usually a joint injury or disease is diagnosed with the help of tests like x-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT along-with patient's medical history and physical examination. A final diagnosis is performed via the arthroscope. Performing this test ensures accuracy as compared with open surgery or from X-ray studies. Some of the most frequent and serious conditions found by arthroscopic examinations of joints include:
Inflammation: Synovitis is an inflammation of the lining in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle

Acute or Chronic Injury :

Shoulder injury
Knee injury
Wrist injury
Loose bodies of bone and/or cartilage

Some problems associated with arthritis can be treated. This may require a combination of arthroscopic and standard surgery:

Rotator cuff surgery
Repair or resection of torn cartilage (meniscus) from knee or shoulder
Reformation of anterior cruciate ligament in knee
Removal of inflamed lining (synovium) in knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle
Release of carpal tunnel
Repair of torn ligaments
Removal of loose bone or cartilage in knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, wrist

How is arthroscopy performed?

Arthroscopic surgery requires the use of anaesthetics where a patient is given either a general, spinal or a local aesthetic, depending on the joint or suspected problem. This process is followed by making a small incision (about the size of a buttonhole) so as to insert the arthroscope.
The corrective surgery is performed with the aid of technologically advanced and precision designed instruments that are inserted into the joint through accessory incisions. Earlier, arthroscopy was considered as a simple diagnostic tool for planning standard open surgery, however, with introduction of advanced and better instrumentation as well as surgical techniques, various conditions can be treated arthroscopically. The best part of an arthroscopic surgery is that the small incisions made for the surgery is covered with a dressing. Many patients require little or no pain medications.

What are the possible complications?

Complications, however rare, may occur occasionally during or following arthroscopy. Phlebitis (blood clots of a vein), infection, excessive swelling or bleeding, damage to blood vessels or nerves and instrument breakage are the some of the most common complications that occur in far less than 1 percent of all arthroscopic procedures.

What are the advantages of arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic surgery has gained immense preference as it has cured numerous well-known athletes. This surgery also serves as an excellent tool for all orthopaedic patients and is easier on the patient as compared with open surgery. Most patients get an arthroscopic surgery as outpatients and reach home several hours after the surgery.

What is recovery like after arthroscopy?

The small puncture wounds take several days to heal. The operative dressing can be removed the morning after surgery and adhesive strips may be applied to cover the small healing incisions. Although the puncture wounds are small in size so the pain in the affected joint that underwent arthroscopy is minimal. However, it takes several weeks for the joints to fully recover. A specific activity chart as well as rehabilitation programs may be suggested to speed up your recovery and protect the joints.