Arthroscopy is a new-age technology to deal with joint surgery. Almost all the joints can be dealt with but majorly three joints that are important include the knee, shoulder and ankle. Arthroscopy gives ample opportunity for an orthopaedic surgeon as it provides an inside view. It is a minimally invasive surgery. Less incision means less pain! It’s a day surgery and less time-consuming. Post-care is simple and involves bed rest for a few weeks, ice compression and physiotherapy. Don’t go swimming or running. Keep a check on swelling and pain especially after walking. For your doctor for faster recovery!
What type of surgery is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a keyhole procedure for the surgeries of joints. It’s a modern technique where we don’t open the joint. This surgery can be done for the knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and small joints as well. There are special surgeons for every joint. Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery. This includes two-three small incisions where the joint is filled with saline or fluid in it. Through one incision the camera or scope is inserted and through another incision instruments are inserted. These portals are inserted interchangeably and one will often switch where the camera is placed. There can be a third portal which depends on the surgeon. The cameras are put into the joint without opening the knee. During knee arthroscopy, ligaments are seen and the doctor will see a meniscal tear or cartilage damage. Meniscal repair is done to treat the patient. If there is cartilage damage a different procedure is done. This is also done without opening the knee. Many procedures are done under arthroscopy like arthroscopic debridement. This is for the resurfacing of the structure or cartilage repair. This advancement has made doctors treat even minor knee problems. Open knee surgeries were not for minor knee problems. Arthroscopy helps the orthopaedic surgeon to see the inside out of the joint. This creates the reverse image which helps to treat minor knee injuries. On the other hand, open surgery provides restricted vision to the orthopaedic surgeon. This includes the removal of tissues and moving outside to inside thus restricting the view. This improves the success rate of the surgical behaviour. Arthroscopy is a way more easy and fast procedure with better results. The procedure is generally done in the morning and the patient can go home by the end of the day. Post-rehabilitation is also very fast.
When to decide on Arthroscopy?
Joint pain? This is the time when you need an arthroscopy. Although the final call will always be taken by your doctor. If you have pain in your joint then your doctor will look inside through a camera to identify the cause. You can book an online consultation with your doctor. Osteoarthritis is a condition that generally occurs when you are in your 50s. Joint pain is common in old age. Osteoarthritis patients are advised for arthroscopy if there is no response to other treatments. There are two types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary. The primary ones are related to cartilage degeneration. Secondary osteoarthritis has some predisposing factors. If you are a sportsperson and need a fast repair without any trauma switch to arthroscopy. If you have a meniscus tear or rotator cuff tear this can be the best option available. Any kind of joint pain is a good symptom to take this procedure. Even if you are suffering from restricted motion movement or weakness or your joints are not responding to first aid. There are three general types of arthroscopy.
Knee Arthroscopy: Knee joint pain is the most common in old age. This makes arthroscopy the most common surgery. Before the use of the arthroscopic machine, open surgery was performed for knee problems. The knee joint surgery was often invasive and could not treat minor problems. Arthroscopy can be used for torn anterior and posterior cruciate. Fractures and dissociated kneecaps also are treated with arthroscopic procedures. The procedure might include the removal of tissues, repositioning of bone or suturing. This has basic steps which start with anaesthesia followed by a small incision as per the requirement. The tissue is removed because of loose cartilage or swelling in the knee joint. The best part of this procedure is that it takes less time and is a day procedure. Other joint surgery like open surgery can take a lot of time and energy. Then the joint is filled with saline or fluid so that your orthopaedic surgeon can easily see the joint surgery. After this arthroscope is put inside through an incision and monitored. The doctor will fix the joint by using additional tools.
Shoulder Arthroscopy: Shoulder joints are ball and socket joints. It is found that the chances of shoulder displacement are high compared to other joints. The common problems which can be treated by arthroscopy are rotator cuff tears, restricted bone movement, inflamed tissue, damaged ligament tear, biceps tendon which have an attachment to the shoulder joint and arthritis of the collar bone. In case of some damaged part, metal or rivets are inserted. But inflammation of any part requires removal. The shoulder joint takes time to recover. There is an additional requirement for medication and ice therapy for faster recovery.
Ankle Arthroscopy: Ankle twists or ankle injuries are very common if you are involved in sports. Although they are very minor injuries and can be treated by first aid. But shortly, any complications occur due to a lack of proper care. This includes fractures, ankle repair, tissue torn and ankle stability. This includes infection as well. Your orthopaedic surgeon has to perform an arthroscopy if antibiotics don’t work alone. Anterior and posterior ankle impingement which restricts walking can be treated as well. Cartilage or any scar can also be treated by the same procedure. Your doctor might find floating bodies of scars and cartilage which can be removed. So depending on the injury the doctor will remove or fix some tissues or some mechanical objects. The procedure is for a short duration. Starts in the morning and the patients can leave by evening. Complete recovery takes weeks to months.
How long does it take to recover from
Arthroscopy?
It takes around weeks to months depending upon the type of injury, lifestyle, food habits and medications. The duration can be altered by you too! Following the instructions given by your doctor will help you recover faster and better! The first few days after your operation try to limit your motility. Do only the essential activity only which includes taking your food, going to the bathroom etc. If it is a knee joint surgery give yourself an ample amount of rest. Keep your leg elevated this will help reduce the swelling. Start walking gradually after a couple of weeks as per your comfort. Ensure that your pain levels and swelling are under control. Try to work without limping. Don’t resume running, swimming or gym until advised by your doctor. For the first 48 hours, it is advised that you do ice compression for 15-20 mins after every two hours. Don’t directly put the ice over the skin, instead wrap it in a towel. You can use Tubigrip after the removal of the heavy bandage. ThisThesell tips can help you recover. Physiotherapy can be beneficial. Follow your surgeon and get back to normal!
