Advances in medical technology have transformed the field of orthopaedic surgery, providing patients with minimally invasive options for diagnosing and treating joint conditions. Arthroscopic surgery, in particular, has gained significant popularity due to its precision and efficiency. Using specialized tools and a small camera called an arthroscope, surgeons can visualize and operate on the joint with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.
Arthroscopy: the procedure
The procedure of arthroscopy involves several key steps that allow for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. These steps are:
- Anesthesia: Patients usually undergo regional or general anesthesia to ensure comfort and minimize pain during the procedure.
- Incision: One or more small incisions, usually less than half a centimeter long, are made near the affected joint. These serve as portals for the insertion of the arthroscope and surgical instruments.
- Insertion of the arthroscope: An arthroscope, a thin and flexible tube containing a light source and a camera, is inserted through one of the incisions. This allows the surgeon to visualize the internal structures of the joint on a high-definition screen.
- Examination of the joint: The surgeon examines the joint in detail, assessing the condition of the cartilage, ligaments, tendons and other structures. This visual inspection helps identify the source of the problem and guides subsequent treatment decisions.
- Surgery: specialised instruments are inserted through additional incisions to perform the necessary procedures. These may include repair of damaged tissue, reconstruction of ligaments or tendons, etc.
- Closure: Once the surgery is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive tapes. A sterile dressing is applied to protect the wounds.
Areas of application
Arthroscopy can be applied to various joints of the body, such as:
Knee,usually for conditions such as meniscal tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears, cartilage damage and patellar instability.
Shoulder area, usually for conditions such as rotator cuff tears,impingement syndrome shoulder(recurrent) shoulder dislocations and shoulder instability
Hip, usually for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as hip impingement and ruptures of the hip cartilage (labrum tears).
Ankle, for conditions such as ligament injuries, cartilage lesions, ankle impingement.
Elbow, to treat conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer elbow and elbow stiffness.
Arthroscopy: the benefits
Arthroscopic surgery offers several significant advantages over traditional open surgery, making it the preferred option for many patients and surgeons. The most important of these advantages include:
- Minimally invasive: The procedure involves smaller incisions, resulting in less tissue damage, reduced scarring and a lower risk of complications.
- Improved imaging: the arthroscope provides a magnified view of the internal structures of the joint, allowing for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment.
- Reduced pain and bleeding: Smaller incisions and specialized instruments minimize injury to surrounding tissues, resulting in less post-operative pain, swelling and bleeding.
- Faster recovery: The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery usually results in a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and a shorter return to normal activities and work.
- Less risk of infection: Smaller incisions reduce the risk of post-operative infection and related complications.
Recovery from arthroscopy
The time away from daily activities and work and the recovery period after arthroscopic surgery varies depending on the complexity of the surgery, the general health of the patient and adherence to post-operative rehabilitation protocols. However, compared to traditional open surgery, the recovery time is generally shorter. Patients may experience some minor discomfort, swelling and limited movement in the early stages of recovery. A programme of physiotherapy is often recommended to gradually restore joint function, strength and mobility.
Arthroscopic surgery has revolutionized the field of orthopedics, providing patients with a minimally invasive approach to diagnosing and treating various joint conditions. With its numerous advantages, such as reduced pain and faster recovery, arthroscopic surgery has become the preferred choice for many orthopedic procedures. From knee and shoulder injuries to hip, ankle and elbow conditions, arthroscopy offers targeted and effective treatment options.
To learn more about arthroscopy and whether it is an appropriate treatment option for your ailment, contact us at 0030211 - 4057040 or 00306949196061 and orthopedikos-papagiannopoulos.gr and make an appointment.
