Type of Surgery
Information
Last updated: 11/24/2009
Prior to arthroscopy, the patient's medical history will be reviewed and the patient will have a complete physical examination. Standard pre-operative blood and urine tests will be done as well as scans of the affected joint, such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), and arthrogram (an x ray using dye). In some cases, an exercise regimen or muscle stimulation treatment (TENS) may be recommended to strengthen muscles around the joint prior to surgery. Surgeons may recommend pre-operative guidelines, such as:
- Discontinue aspirin and anti-inflammatory medications two weeks before surgery.
- Stop smoking to encourage post-operative healing.
- Inform the surgeon if any fever or other illness occurs, or if cuts, scratches, or bruises appear near the surgical site before the scheduled surgery.
- Do not eat, drink, or chew gum for 12 hours prior to surgery.
- Bring crutches or a walker if hip, knee, or ankle arthroscopy is being performed.
- Wear loose fitting clothing to allow for bulky dressings over the surgical site.
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This animated video not only shows a knee arthroscopy from start to finish, but gives a representation of what the surgeon sees through the tiny camera during arthroscopy. It also provides a view of the anatomy of the knee joint and how it works and moves.
Other Information
Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate or to treat many orthopaedic conditions including torn floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage.
The advantage of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. Instead, only two small incisions are made - one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments. This reduces recovery time and may increase the rate of surgical success due to less trauma to the connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the smaller incisions. Irrigation fluid is used to distend the joint and make a surgical space. Sometimes this fluid leaks into the surrounding soft tissue causing extravasation and edema
The surgical instruments used are smaller than traditional instruments. Surgeons view the joint area on a video monitor, and can diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, such as ligaments and menisci or cartilage
Arthroscopy is used for joints of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, and hip.
Other Information
Orthopedic complaints are the most common reason to seek medical care.
From: About.com
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