Arthroscopy

What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a procedure used to visualize inside a joint, to diagnose, and, when necessary, treat problems of the joint. Originally, arthroscopy was a diagnostic tool only, used primarily for planning a standard open surgery. However, because of the development of new instruments and advanced surgical techniques, many conditions can be treated with arthroscopic surgery.

An arthroscope is a pencil-sized instrument that contains a small lens attached to a miniature camera and lighting system, which magnifies and illuminates the structures inside the joint.

What does arthroscopic surgery involve?

• a small incision in the patient's skin
• the arthroscope is inserted through the incision
• light is transmitted via fiber optics to the end of the arthroscope
• information about the interior of the joint is transmitted to a screen

The surgeon is then able to see and determine the amount or type of injury, and, if necessary, can repair or correct the problem.

Other incisions may be made to view different parts of the joint or to insert other instruments. Corrective surgery may be performed with specially-designed instruments inserted into the joint through these incisions.

Recovery time depends on the extent of the surgery and on the individual patient. However, most arthroscopic surgery is done on an outpatient basis, and patients allowed to go home within hours after the surgery. Some patients resume daily activities and return to work or school within a few days. Athletes and other patients in good physical condition may return to athletic activities within a few weeks.

Joints most frequently examined via arthroscopy:

• knee
• shoulder
• elbow
• ankle
• hip
• wrist

Conditions most frequently found with arthroscopy:
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the most frequent conditions found during arthroscopic examinations of joints are:

• inflammation in the lining of the synovium in knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle.
• injuries
  • rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome, and recurrent dislocations in the shoulder
  • meniscal (cartilage) tears, chondromalacia (wearing or injury of cartilage cushion), and anterior cruciate ligament tears with instability in the knee
  • carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist
• pieces of loose bone and/or cartilage in the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, or wrist.

Disorders often treated with a combination of arthroscopic and standard surgery:

• rotator cuff procedure
• release of carpal tunnel
• repair or resection of torn cartilage (meniscus) from knee or shoulder
• reconstruction of anterior cruciate ligament in knee
• removal of inflamed lining (synovium) in knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle
• removal of loose bone or cartilage in knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, or wrist
• repair of torn ligaments

Consult your physician for a treatment recommendation based on your individual condition.