Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used by orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint issues. The term “arthroscopy” originates from the Greek words “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look), meaning “to look within the joint.”
What is Arthroscopy?
In arthroscopy, a small incision is made, and pencil-sized instruments equipped with a lens and lighting system are inserted to illuminate and magnify the joint’s structures. A camera attached to the arthroscope projects images onto a video monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the joint’s interior without large incisions.
Applications of Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system, including:
- Inflammatory Conditions: Such as synovitis, causing inflammation in joints like the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and ankle.
- Injuries: Including rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, recurrent shoulder dislocations, meniscal tears, chondromalacia, ACL tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, and loose bone or cartilage fragments.
Common Arthroscopic Procedures
Typical procedures performed using arthroscopy include:
- Rotator Cuff Repair
- Meniscus Repair or Resection
- ACL Reconstruction
- Synovium Removal
- Carpal Tunnel Release
- Ligament Repairs
- Removal of Loose Bone or Cartilage
These procedures are most commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, and wrist.
How Arthroscopy is Conducted
Arthroscopic surgery is generally performed under general, spinal, or local anaesthesia in a hospital or outpatient surgical suite. The surgeon makes a small incision for the arthroscope and additional incisions for other instruments if necessary. This allows for corrective surgery using specialised tools through these small incisions.
Benefits and Recovery
Arthroscopic surgery offers numerous advantages over traditional open surgery, including smaller incisions, reduced pain, and quicker recovery times. Most patients have their surgery as outpatients and return home the same day. Although the small puncture wounds heal within days, full recovery of the joint may take several weeks. A tailored rehabilitation program may be recommended to expedite recovery and ensure optimal joint function.
Potential Risks
While complications are rare, they can occur. Possible risks include infection, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), excessive swelling or bleeding, and damage to blood vessels or nerves. However, these complications are infrequent, occurring in less than 1% of all arthroscopic procedures.
Arthroscopy is a valuable technique for diagnosing and treating joint problems, providing a less invasive alternative to open surgery with faster recovery times. Whether dealing with sports injuries or chronic joint pain, arthroscopy may be an effective option for treatment and recovery.
