Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. During an arthroscopy, an orthopedic surgeon inserts an arthroscope, a thin instrument equipped with a miniature video camera, into the joint through a small incision to capture magnified images of the internal structures on a monitor, allowing the doctor to examine the joint and perform precise surgery if necessary. It is a commonly used technique in specialized orthopedic clinics, with the advantage of minimal scarring from incisions, the need for short hospitalization, rapid reintegration and a reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.
Discover the main minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques used in the clinic that you can benefit from today to improve your health:
1. Wrist arthroscopy
For patients experiencing wrist pain that does not respond to non-surgical treatment or who have not yet received a concrete diagnosis, diagnostic arthroscopy proves to be the most effective solution. The procedure is performed under regional anesthesia and two or more small incisions (portals) are made on the back of the wrist. The arthroscope and surgical instruments are inserted through these portals to visualize the joint, and after the operation, the incisions are closed with a small suture and a local dressing is applied with minimal discomfort to the patient.
2. Ankle arthroscopy
Ankle arthroscopy is used to look inside the ankle and make a diagnosis, but also to perform a number of surgical procedures, including confirming a diagnosis, removing osteophytes, removing excess inflamed synovial tissue, visualizing fractures of the joint surface and more. It is an ideal solution for pre-operative investigation because it allows the surgeon to visualize the joint as a whole and to work carefully in the affected areas, often using the arthroscope even during surgery.
3. Knee arthroscopy
The incision and insertion of an arthroscope into the knee joint allows the doctor to visualize inside the knee joint and clearly determine the cause of the pain or discomfort the patient is experiencing. If surgery is needed as a treatment option, a second incision will be made to perform this procedure, which is continuously video monitored. It is a suitable solution for meniscus injuries, torn or cruciate ligaments, dangerous loose bodies, local inflammation or arthritis.
4. Hip arthroscopy
If the patient is experiencing acute hip pain that does not respond to non-surgical treatment, arthroscopy should be used as a diagnostic solution. Using a small camera, the doctor will be able to observe the condition of the joint and intervene accordingly if, after investigation, he or she determines that there is a femuroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip dysplasia, iliotibial tract retraction, synovitis, loose cartilage fragments in the joint or infection in the hip joint
5. Shoulder arthroscopy
This procedure involves making very small incisions around the shoulder through which a medical video camera is inserted inside or outside the joint. The video camera allows a clear view of the structures of the shoulder, much better than open, naked-eye techniques. Shoulder arthroscopy is used to repair rotator cuff injuries, to treat shoulder instability, recurrent shoulder dislocations, rotator cuff tears, rotator cuff tears, articular cartilage injuries, long biceps tendon injuries, the presence of stumps on the lower edge of the acromion, drug-resistant bursitis, tenderness of the shoulder to calcify, and other conditions.
To find out about other minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques used in the Orthokinetic clinic, get in touch with members of the team!
Leave a Reply