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Arthroscopy Q & A
- What is arthroscopy?
- How do I know if I need an arthroscopy?
- What happens during an arthroscopy procedure?
- What is the arthroscopy recovery period?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed using an arthroscope—a small camera inserted into the joint. The arthroscope lets your surgeon look at your affected area without making large incisions. Arthroscopic surgery is a safe and effective treatment technique that allows your doctor to address your joint problem without causing significant trauma or tissue damage.
Arthroscopy is a diagnostic and treatment technique that allows your doctor to address a wide range of conditions, including:
- Arthritis
- Joint inflammation
- Torn tendons and ligaments
- Meniscal tears
- Labral tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Loose bone or cartilage
Arthroscopy has several benefits over traditional surgery. Arthroscopic procedures are minimally invasive, which means your surgeon can examine, repair, and replace damaged parts of your joint without causing significant trauma. Procedures like rotator cuff repair are less traumatic than traditional surgical techniques, resulting in less pain, less scarring, and quicker recovery times.
Arthroscopy is appropriate for various conditions affecting the knee, shoulder, elbow, hip, wrist, and ankle. Although many joint problems respond to conservative treatment and pain management methods such as physical therapy, certain conditions require more intensive treatment.
At Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, our orthopaedists and physical therapists exhaust all conservative treatment options before recommending surgery. If your condition causes severe symptoms or doesn’t respond to traditional care, your doctor may recommend arthroscopy to examine further and treat your joint problem.
During arthroscopy, your orthopedic surgeon inserts the arthroscope through a small incision. They use the arthroscope to view damage to your joint or surrounding structures. If appropriate, your surgeon inserts several small instruments to correct or repair your condition. Once the procedure is complete, your surgeon closes your incisions, and you’re off to recovery.
Watch our orthopedic surgeons in action in the below arthroscopic surgery videos.
Knee Replacement Surgery Pre and Post-Op Video
Knee Replacement Surgery Video
Meniscus Surgery Video
ACL Surgery Video
Shoulder Replacement Surgery Video
Rotator Cuff Surgery Video
SLAP Tear Surgery Video
Shoulder Impingement Surgery Video
Shoulder Surgery for Arthritis Video
Aftercare or downtime depends on the specifics of your procedure. Depending on the location of your surgery, you may have to limit your activities for a few days or weeks. In most cases, recovery time is minimal. Standard arthroscopy procedures like hip, shoulder, wrist, elbow, and knee arthroscopy take roughly six weeks for early healing. To help improve your recovery and prevent further complications, your doctor may recommend physical therapy.
To find out if arthroscopy is right for you, call Town Center Orthopaedics or request an appointment online today.
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