Arthroscopy

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a type of surgery used for diagnostic purposes as well as for making repairs and treating injuries within joints. An arthroscope — the tool your surgeon uses during the procedure — is a lighted scope with a camera on the end. Your surgeon inserts the scope through a small incision. 

The arthroscope projects a real-time video of the inside of your joint onto a nearby screen. Your surgeon uses the screen to see what they’re doing as they make repairs or remove damaged tissue using slender tools through other small incisions around the joint. 

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery as opposed to open surgery. Open surgeries use long incisions. 

What are the benefits of arthroscopy?

Minimally invasive surgeries, like arthroscopy, share many benefits over open surgeries. The team at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services reviews them with you ahead of time, so you know exactly what to expect from your surgery, including the time frame for aftercare and recovery. 

Compared to open surgeries, minimally invasive surgeries like arthroscopy:

• Result in faster recovery 
• Result in smaller and less noticeable scars
• Cause less postoperative pain and swelling
• Have lower risks of complications
• Rarely involve a hospital stay

Athletes who undergo arthroscopy for sports injuries involving joints can recover and rehabilitate their injuries much faster than they could before arthroscopy was available. Many of them restore the full function of injured joints and can return to their sports. 

When do I need arthroscopy?

There are many injuries and conditions that need arthroscopic surgery for evaluation or treatment. Arthroscopy allows the team at Sequoia Orthopaedic Surgery to take a closer look at joint damage so they’re better able to plan surgical repairs. They can also make those repairs using arthroscopy.

Typically, minimally invasive surgeries are only needed when more conservative options have not resulted in significant improvement. You might need arthroscopy for:

• Synovitis (joint lining inflammation)
• Problems associated with arthritis
• Loose bone or cartilage in a joint
• Meniscus tears
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Recurrent shoulder dislocation
• Carpal tunnel syndrome 

The team at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services fills you in on what to expect during the recovery process and when you can get back to your daily tasks and activities. 

Find out more about arthroscopy for joint injuries and conditions by scheduling an appointment at Sequoia Institute for Surgical Services. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today.