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Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows an orthopedic surgeon to treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. It is often performed when a diagnosis is made after a thorough history and physical examination as well as imaging tests such as an MRI and X-rays.
During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the problem area, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail.
It is then possible to treat the problem using this approach without having to make any "open" incisions. Sports injuries are often repairable with arthroscopy. Ligament tears, meniscus tears, damaged cartilage and loose bodies in the knee are frequently repaired this way. Other potentially treatable problems include rotator cuff tears, labrum(cartilage) tears, inflammation and recurrent dislocations of the shoulder.
Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopy offers many benefits to the patient over traditional surgery:
Arthroscopy is not appropriate for every patient. Your doctor will discuss the options that are best for you.
Shoulder arthroscopy is often performed to confirm a diagnosis after a physical examination and other imaging procedures have been performed. Some conditions can also be treated during the same procedure by inserting a few additional instruments into the joint area.
Arthroscopy can be used to treat many conditions that affect the shoulder joint. Shoulder arthroscopy, also known as shoulder scope, can be used to treat:
While arthroscopy offers many benefits over a traditional open procedure, it is not for everybody. Some conditions, especially those that are not easily visible with the arthroscopic camera, may be better suited for traditional surgery. Your doctor will decide which type of procedure is right for you.
During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the knee, allowing your doctor to examine the joint in great detail.
For some patients, it is then possible to treat the problem using a few additional instruments inserted through small incisions around the joint. Sports injuries are often repairable with arthroscopy. Knee injuries that are frequently treated using arthroscopic techniques include meniscal tears, mild arthritis, loose bone or cartilage, ACL and PCL tears, synovitis (swelling of the joint lining) and patellar (knee cap) misalignment.
Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopy offers many benefits to the patient over traditional surgery. These include:
A tear in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee injuries. An injury to this ligament causes the knee to become unstable and the joint to slide forward too much. ACL tears occur most often in athletes.
ACL reconstruction is usually not performed until several weeks after the injury, when swelling and inflammation have been reduced. The torn ligament is completely removed and replaced with a new ACL. Simply reconnecting the torn ends will not repair the ACL. Part of another ligament, usually in the knee or hamstring, is used to create a graft for the new ACL. Choosing the proper type of graft depends on each patient's individual condition.
ACL surgery requires a few months for full recovery, and physical rehabilitation will be needed as well. Surgery is not required for all ACL injuries. Talk to your doctor to discuss if it is the right option for you.