Arthroscopic Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits, Cost & Recovery

Arthroscopic Surgery: Purpose, Procedure, Benefits, Cost & Recovery

Arthroscopy surgery is an orthopedic surgical procedure that is used to examine and treat the inside of a joint using a special type of camera called an arthroscope. Arthroscopy surgery is used both for diagnostic and treatment purposes.

Sometimes by laymen/ patients, it is also referred to as Laser surgery of the joint through the Laser has no role to play in this. The types of arthroscopy include:

1. Arthroscopy knee surgery
2. Hip joint arthroscopy
3. Ankle arthroscopy
4. Arthroscopic surgery shoulder
5. Wrist arthroscopy

Why is arthroscopy surgery done?

Arthroscopy means to look inside a joint. The word “arthro” means joint and “skopein” means to look. Arthroscopy surgery is performed as an alternative to traditional open surgery in most cases. The procedure is done to visualize the internal structures of a joint including the bone and soft tissues and correct any prevailing issues. It is a minimally invasive procedure that is used by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint conditions.

The benefits of arthroscopy encompass the following:

• Arthroscopic surgery requires only small incisions
• There is less trauma to the surrounding soft tissues
• The pain following the procedure is comparatively less
• Wound healing is faster as compared to a traditional open surgery
• The chances of infection are very low

Arthroscopic surgery procedure

In this examination /procedure, your surgeon will put you under anesthesia- it may be local (numbing the specific area alone), regional (specific zones of the body such as upper or lower), or general anesthesia ( where you completely fall asleep)

• Joint arthroscopy is a short stay (one-day stay) procedure in most cases.
• The surgeon makes a small incision in the skin to gain access to the joint to be examined 
• Small instruments that contain a tiny lens are inserted through the incision.
• This helps to capture an image of the area and transmit it to a bigger screen. 
• There is included lighting that helps to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. 
• The fiber optics present transmit light to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted into the joint.
• The arthroscope is attached to a camera through which the surgeon will envision the joint 
• The camera captures and sets out a larger image of the same onto a bigger screen. 
• This allows the surgeon to see through the joint into structures such as soft tissues that include cartilage, ligaments, and also blood vessels and nerves, etc.
• After taking a detailed and closer look, the surgeon will determine the type of injury or infection, or inflammation that is present
• During an arthroscopy, the correction of prevailing issues is also possible using techniques specific to the joint condition
• Instruments necessary for the repair of the damaged tissues are effectively chosen and handled well 
• After the procedure is complete, the inserted arthroscope is taken out and the incision is closed using sutures.
• The incision is covered with a sterile dressing and allowed to heal
• Following the surgery, you may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, etc at the site of the procedure 
• These must be reported on time and can be managed with prescribed medications.

 How to prepare for the surgery?

• A general evaluation of your health condition will be done to ensure that you are fit for the procedure
• Blood tests and other diagnostic tests will be done
• Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any medications.
• Inform your surgeon of any illness or infection that you have had in the recent past 
• You may need to stop medications that cause thinning of the blood or avoid excessive clotting.
• Inform the doctor of any bleeding disorders that you might have
• If you suspect that you might be pregnant, you must inform the surgeon
• Carry any medications that you might need to take right after the procedure
• Do not eat or drink anything about six to twelve hours before arthroscopy
• Arrange for someone to help you get home after the procedure.

What to expect after arthroscopic surgery?

• Following the procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room to be observed for a while before getting discharged
• You will be given medications to relieve the pain and stiffness in the joint. These may be felt after the effects of the anesthesia wear off
• Based on the joint involved, you may need a sling, braces, crutches, or a splint for support. Use them until your next visit to the doctor
• The dressings can be removed after a period of 5 to 10 days
• The wound will start to heal in about 1 to 2 days.
• Arthroscopic knee surgery’s complete recovery time is about 3 to 12 weeks depending on the type of procedure performed during surgery.
• Do not disturb the wound or strain the joint too much

Follow the RICE principle

1. Rest the joint
2. Ice application
3. Compress using a wrap or crepe bandage
4. Elevate

• Follow the operating surgeon/physiotherapist’s instructions about mobilizing the joint 
• Return to full normal activities may be possible after three to twelve weeks depending on the type of procedures performed during surgery.
• Take care to avoid strenuous activities until your doctor has asked you to.
• Keep the dressing dry and clean
• If you have persistent pain, swelling, or any signs of infection, consult your doctor

Please let us know if you have any questions and do leave a comment

Contact us for more details:

Total Orthocare

59 A, MNR Complex,
Near Steel Factory Bus Stop,
DoddaBanaswadi Main Road,
Bengaluru-560043 Phone: 080-4370 1281 Mobile: 9591618833