Arthroscopy

Using today’s technology, diagnosis and treatment of knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist or elbow joint problems can sometimes be performed without open surgery, thanks to a surgical procedure called arthroscopy.

Using an arthroscope, a thin viewing scope inserted into a joint through a small incision in the skin, your physician can look inside your joints at the bones, ligaments and cartilage. The arthroscope has a light source and a video camera attached to it, enabling your physician to view clear images of your joint on a screen.

With arthroscopy, physicians at the Ohio Orthopedic Center of Excellence can diagnose the cause of joint pain or stiffness when other diagnostic tests (such as a physical exam, X-ray and MRI) do not conclusively identify the problem. After viewing the problem, your physician may proceed with arthroscopic surgery. This surgery is performed using additional instruments inserted through other incisions into the joint.

Procedures that may be performed during arthroscopy include:

• Reconstruction or repair of torn ligaments such as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee

• Repair of cartilage

• Removal of scar tissue or inflamed tissue

• Removal of bone spurs or calcium deposits

• Aspiration of the joint to reduce fluid build-up

• Arthroscopy is often preferred over open surgery because it is less painful, it can be performed on an outpatient basis and recovery time is quicker.

During and After

Arthroscopy may be performed using a local, regional or general anesthetic. You also may receive a sedative to relax you if you will remain awake during the procedure. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the physician makes a quarter-inch incision near the joint. He or she may inject a saline solution to help make the joint easier to see. A tourniquet and an electrocardiography heart monitor also may be used during the procedure.

The arthroscope is inserted, and your physician maneuvers it and positions your joint to aid in viewing the various parts of your joint. Depending on the damage found, your physician may recommend additional surgery and will make additional incisions and insert additional instruments to perform that surgery. If you are awake during surgery, you may feel pulling and thumping as the arthroscope and other instruments are used on the joint.

Arthroscopy may last from 15 minutes to more than an hour, depending on the procedures performed. You will usually not need to spend the night at the hospital, but you should plan to have someone drive you home from the procedure.

After the procedure, your physician will prescribe rest, ice therapy on the treatment area and pain relievers. You also should expect bruising and tenderness and perhaps some drainage from the incision site. Recovery time may range from several days to several weeks, depending on the joint and the procedures performed during arthroscopy. You may need to use crutches, a sling or other device to keep your joint from being overused. Your physician will let you know when to return for removal of your stitches and how long to wait before driving a car.