The Art Of Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a means of examining a joint with a slender fiber-optic instrument called an arthroscope or endoscope. This instrument has a lighted tip and is used by a surgeon to detect disease or injury inside a joint or to repair tendons and ligaments. The procedure, which usually takes an hour, can be performed in a hospital or in an outpatient surgical department.

“How you prepare for arthroscopy depends on the joint you need examined and the type of anesthesia you need. Some arthroscopy procedures may require only local or regional anesthesia - anesthesia limited to the general area of your body that's being evaluated. Other arthroscopy procedures may require general anesthesia, which affects your entire body and puts you in a temporary state of unconsciousness,” explained the Mayo Clinic.

Before surgery, blood and urine studies are usually taken as well as x-rays of the joint. During surgery, the doctor may remove fluid or tissue (a biopsy) from the joint and have these examined in a laboratory. After the operation, the incision is closed with sutures or dips which can be removed a few days later.

“An orthopedic surgeon specializing in bone, muscle and joint surgery performs the procedure. The surgeon cuts a small incision into your skin. He or she then inserts the arthroscope, which is about the width of a pencil. The joint is filled with saline solution to provide a better view. A beam of light and a small video camera with a magnifying lens are attached to the arthroscope and connected to a monitor so that the surgeon can see the magnified image of the joint. If your joint needs repair, the surgeon may insert surgical instruments through additional small incisions made around the joint,” the Mayo Clinic said.

The patient can leave the hospital hours later but it takes weeks to recover from surgery. During this time, the patient should refrain from overusing the joint.

Like other surgical procedures, arthroscopy has its risks although these are rare. These include surgical wound infection and damage to internal structures.

In “The Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness and Surgery”, Dr. H. Winter Griffith, a fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice, said the surgical risks of arthroscopy increases with obesity, smoking, poor nutrition, recent illness and in adults over 60. Those .who use antihypertensive, muscles relaxants, tranquilizers, insulin, cortisone, sedatives and mind altering drugs like, narcotics and marijuana are also poor surgical candidates.

“After you go home, you'll need to wrap, rest, ice and elevate the joint for several days to reduce swelling and pain. Depending on which joint required the procedure, you may need to temporarily use splints, slings or crutches for comfort and protection. You may also have stitches, or there may be small adhesive strips over the incisions. Your doctor removes these when you return to see him or her for a follow-up visit,” the Mayo Clinic said.

“Your doctor may suggest a rehabilitation program that includes physical therapy to speed your recovery. Most likely, you can resume daily activities within a few days, but it may take several weeks for the joint to fully recover,” it added.

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