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Arthroscopic (key hole) surgeries

In the past, joint-related surgeries and diagnoses were performed using standard open surgical techniques by making a large incision to get a clear view of the affected joints. After the diagnosis, doctors would plan the treatment or surgery accordingly and then stitch up the area. This would often leave a mark or scar. Arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive technique that not only identifies the problem but also allows doctors to perform minor surgeries using arthroscopic surgical instruments inserted through small incisions.

Arthroscopy is derived from two Greek words known as “arthro” (Joint) and “skopein” (to look), which literally means “to look within the joint”. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that helps diagnose and treat joint-related problems. It is commonly used on knees but can also be performed on ankles, hips, shoulders, wrists, and elbows. The procedure is done through small incisions with the help of an arthroscope, a small surgical instrument with a tiny fibre-optic video camera attached to it. This allows doctors to view the affected joints and provide treatment accordingly. Arthroscopy can diagnose problems such as arthritis, rotator cuff tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. Different types of arthroscopy are used to treat various joint and ligament issues.

This minimally invasive technique offers several benefits, including reduced post-operative pain, smaller incisions, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional open surgery. This approach allows for thorough joint evaluation and targeted treatment, ultimately leading to improved outcomes and patient satisfaction. It often results in faster healing times, enabling patients to start rehabilitation sooner and return to their normal activities and work more quickly. Some of the most common types of arthroscopic surgeries are knee arthroscopy, hip joint arthroscopy, ankle arthroscopy, shoulder arthroscopy, and wrist arthroscopy.

Causes for Arthroscopy:

  1. Knee pain
  2. Misaligned patella (kneecap)
  3. ACL and PCL tears
  4. Meniscal tears
  5. Torn ligaments, cartilage and tendons
  6. Rotator cuff tears
  7. Dislocated and frozen shoulder
  8. Shoulder impingements
  9. Arthritis (including ankle and foot arthritis)
  10. Wrist pain that includes carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts and wrist arthritis.

Diagnostic and surgical procedure of Arthroscopy

After conducting tests such as X-rays, scans, and ultrasound pictures, the doctor will diagnose the issue and recommend appropriate treatment procedures, such as physiotherapy, medication, and minimal exercises. If the pain or problem persists, the orthopedic doctor may suggest arthroscopy. The procedure typically takes around two hours, depending on the required treatment or whether surgery is necessary. The procedure begins with the doctors obtaining an outline of the information and then explaining the pros and cons of arthroscopy before starting the process.

  1. The patient will be given general anesthesia to numb the affected area.
  2. A small incision is made to insert a thin tube called an arthroscope, to which an optical fibre video camera is attached. The use of the video camera is that doctors will be able to find the exact problem in the joint that is causing pain and discomfort, without any need for large incisions.
  3. They will slowly send the arthroscope through it to see the problem and offer to do surgery then and there if required.
  4. To perform surgery, the surgeon will have to make another small incision to insert a thin tube along with an attached surgical instrument.
  5. Once the surgery is done, and the issue is resolved, they will take out the inserted arthroscope and surgical instrument and stitch the area.
  6. After the surgery, the patient can go home within a day or will be asked to stay for further diagnosis if anything is required.

Certain measures are needed to be taken after the surgery. The doctor would ask you to,

  1. Avoid putting weight or pressure on the operated area for the time being.
  2. If you had arthroscopy on your hip or knee, use crutches or assistive devices
  3. Ice and elevate the area
  4. Keep the incision clean and covered
  5. Take NSAID medication for pain
  6. Avoid baths and take showers until the incision is healed
  7. Wear a sling or a brace for the elbow or shoulder.

Benefits and Risks:

When it comes to benefits, you will have a,

  1. Fast recovery
  2. Less pain
  3. Minimal scarring and blood loss