Do you also feel a constant pain or stiffness in your knee, shoulder, or other joint? Perhaps you can't stand the pain when walking, climbing stairs, or lifting weights. If the condition has not improved despite taking medication and undergoing physical therapy, your doctor may have suggested that you "put in a small camera and see what's going on inside." That's what we call an arthroscopy, an examination and surgery that uses a small camera to look inside a joint. Don't worry, we'll talk about everything in simple terms today.
Simply put, what is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat structural problems in your joint, which can cause pain, instability, or other functional impairment. Imagine that, instead of making a large incision in your skin, a small incision is made, the size of a buttonhole, and a thin tube about the size of a pencil is inserted through it. At the end of this tube is a tiny video camera and a light source. The doctor uses the images from this camera to magnify and view them on a monitor, allowing him to examine what is inside the joint and perform any necessary treatment.
This is like looking into a room through a keyhole. You can see what's inside without having to open the door completely, and if necessary, you can use small tools to organize the contents inside.
This surgery is performed by orthopedic surgeons , who are specialists in the treatment of diseases of our skeletal system, that is, bones, joints, cartilage, and ligaments.
In what cases is arthroscopy needed?
Arthroscopy is useful for many joint problems that usually do not improve with medication, rest, and physical therapy. Imagine that you are playing cricket and suddenly your leg twists and you hear a "click" sound from the inside of your knee. Then your knee swells up and you feel pain that makes it difficult to bend or straighten it properly. At times like this, the ligaments or the cartilage part called the meniscus inside the knee can tear. Arthroscopy is very important to accurately diagnose and repair such conditions.
The table below shows some of the most common uses of arthroscopy.
| Body part | Common conditions treated |
|---|---|
| Knee | Anterior cruciate ligament tears (ACL tears), meniscal tears, cartilage tears. |
| Shoulder | Rotator cuff tears, dislocated shoulder, shoulder impingement. |
| Wrist | Carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, arthritis. |
| Ankle & Foot | Cartilage damage, ligament tears, arthritis. |
| Elbow & Hip | Cartilage wear, removal of excess bone, ligament repair. |
What happens before and after surgery?
Before surgery
It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions exactly. In general, you should be careful about these things.
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Provide a list of all medications and supplements you take.
- If you are taking blood thinners or painkillers (NSAIDs) , be sure to inform them in advance.
- You will be advised not to eat or drink anything from midnight the day before surgery.
During surgery
This is usually an outpatient procedure. Since you will be given anesthesia, it is essential to have someone to drive you home after the surgery and to stay with you for the rest of the day.
Most surgeries take about an hour. The doctor makes small incisions, inserts the arthroscope, makes any necessary repairs on a monitor, removes the instruments, stitches the incisions, and applies a bandage.
After surgery
You will be able to go home a few hours after the surgery. Take care of these things after you go home:
* Avoid putting weight or pressure on the treated area for a few days. If you had surgery on your leg, you may need to use crutches.
* Apply ice and elevate the area to reduce pain and swelling.
* Keep the incision clean and covered .
* Do not bathe until the wound heals, only take a shower .
* If your doctor recommends it, wear a sling or brace on your arm.
What are the advantages and risks of this method?
Like any surgery, arthroscopy has its benefits as well as some very minor risks.
| Advantages | Potential Risks |
|---|---|
| Less pain due to very small incisions. | Allergy to anesthesia. |
| Faster recovery than open surgery. | Blood clots (e.g. deep vein thrombosis - DVT). |
| Less bleeding and less scarring . | Wound infection. |
| The time spent in the hospital is very short. | Excessive bleeding or swelling. |
How long does it take to fully recover?
Although recovery is quicker than with open surgery, it can take several months to fully recover. However, depending on the nature of the surgery, you may be able to return to work within a few days.
Your doctor will often recommend physical therapy (PT) . PT can help strengthen your muscles, speed up the healing process, and help prevent future injuries.
When should you call the doctor immediately?
If you experience any of the following symptoms after surgery, call your doctor immediately or go to the hospital where you received treatment.
- If there is excessive pain or bleeding from the cut.
- If you have symptoms like fever, nausea, or vomiting .
- If the wound is red, swollen, or feels warm (these could be signs of infection).
Arthroscopy is a very safe and effective way to diagnose and treat joint problems. It can help you get rid of long-term pain and get back to your daily activities with comfort.
Take-Home Message
- Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that uses a small camera to examine and treat inside joints.
- This is less painful than open surgery and the recovery is quicker.
- This is a very effective treatment for common joint disorders such as the knee, shoulder, and wrist.
- The doctor's instructions after surgery, especially rest, ice, and physical therapy, are very important.
- If you develop severe pain, fever, or signs of wound infection, call your doctor immediately.
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