What is Arthroscopy? And When Is It Used?

As orthopedic specialists, we specialize in the musculoskeletal system’s treatment, which consists of the joints, tendons, and cartilage that help keep the body in line. When a part of the body experiences pain that radiates from those joints, orthopedists need to have advanced procedures to diagnose and treat that pain as efficiently as possible. Out of the many procedures done, arthroscopy can effectively treat joint problems through minimally invasive techniques and strategies. So, what is arthroscopy? Here, we will discover the benefits of this procedure in orthopedics and how it can be used to treat joint pain.

Defining Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy diagnoses and treats joint problems through the insertion of a narrow tube into the joint. The tube has a fiber-optic camera attached, allowing it to see inside the joint to diagnose the problems affecting it. The surgical incision is about the size of a buttonhole, making it small enough to avoid complications. During the procedure, your surgeon will use anesthesia to numb the area or entire body to avoid the onset of pain. Once the tube is set to the area, your surgeon will search for any abnormalities affecting the joint.

Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose areas, such as the knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, and wrists, affected by pain and inflammation. If your doctor finds any issues, they’ll advise the recommended treatment for your condition, and for recovery, you may be prescribed medication to alleviate any pain afterward. They may also give you a sling to protect the area while it heals and remove the stitches once the area has fully healed.

When is Arthroscopy Used?

When X-rays and MRI scans aren’t able to showcase the problems firsthand, arthroscopy can be used as a more advanced form of diagnosis. Arthroscopy is primarily used to diagnose problems with the joints and can also be used as a form of surgery. Arthroscopy can treat loose bone fragments, torn cartilages, torn ligaments, and inflamed joint linings through this procedure. Arthroscopy can be used to treat arthritis, ligament injuries, and swollen knees, and because of its minimally invasive technique, it makes it safe and more reliable than open surgery. With the future developments of procedures, arthroscopy will soon be used to treat more delicate joints of the body.

Risks with Arthroscopy

Risks with arthroscopy are uncommon but can occur, and you should speak with your surgeon if complications happen during your recovery. Infections, blood clots, excessive swelling, damaged blood vessels, and nerve damage are all risks associated with this procedure. Any form of invasive surgery carries these risks. Still, orthopedic surgeons work to prevent the onset of these conditions through strict health and safety standards and years of expertise in the field.

If you have been experiencing joint pain and inflammation, contact Dr. Luc Teurlings at Space Coast Orthopedics in Merritt Island, FL. Dr. Teurlings will be able to properly diagnose and treat any conditions you may have with your joints and provide the most advanced procedures to relieve your pain.