It is a sort of keyhole surgery in which orthopaedic surgeons view, identify, and treat joint abnormalities using an arthroscope equipped with a camera and a bright light source. The following joints are treated with arthroscopy for issues:

• Shoulder: Rotator Cuff Repair / Frozen Shoulder Release / Stabilization of Recurrent Dislocation. Using a tiny camera and an arthroscope to create smaller incisions, shoulder arthroscopy surgery is a treatment used to repair the tissues inside or around your shoulder joint.

• Knee: ACL Reconstruction / PCL & PLC Reconstruction / Meniscectomy / Meniscal Repair. The practise of arthroscopic knee surgery is used to identify and address issues with the knee joint.

• Hip: Labrum Repair / Arthroscopic Cheilectomy

• Wrist: Carpal Tunnel Release / Ganglion removal / Scapholunate Ligament Repair. A small camera and surgical instruments are used during wrist arthroscopy surgery to examine or repair the tissues inside or around the wrist.

• Elbow: Tennis Elbow / Osteochondritis Dissecans / Loose body removal / Capsulotomy.

• Loose body or inflamed synovium removal

Why this procedure is recommended

Patients with arthritis and issues with the joints of the hip, knee, wrist, elbow, ankle, etc., such as inflammation in the lining of the joints, stiffness of the joints, worn-out cartilage, ligament tears, joint scarring, joint damage, or injury, etc., are advised to undergo an arthroscopic examination.

How is the procedure performed

The arthroscopy is carried out under either local, regional, or general anaesthesia. The joint is expanded and filled with sterile fluid to improve vision. On the skin of the joint, several tiny incisions are created to introduce arthroscopy and other surgical tools. Arthroscopy uses a pen-sized device with a high-definition camera and a bright light to magnify and illuminate the joint's components for better viewing. On the monitor attached to the arthroscope, high-quality images of the joint are shown. The surgeon can use these images to see the inside of the joints clearly and assess the degree of any injuries to the bone, ligaments, or cartilage. Following the surgery, the arthroscopy and other tools are delicately taken out, and the incisions are then stitched up and bandaged. The length of the surgery will depend on the joints involved. A few days to a few weeks are required for healing. The patient will be instructed to use a splint, sling, or crutches during the healing process to support and protect the operated joint.

What are its Advantages?

Following are the advantages

• In addition to being a helpful diagnostic tool, arthroscopy is frequently utilised to treat a variety of joint disorders. For instance, meniscal rips in the knee joints.

• It serves as a good substitute for "open" surgery.

• The majority of arthroscopy operations are done in an outpatient environment.

• Due to the small incisions, there is little likelihood of scarring, infection, significant blood loss, or the need for a blood transfusion.

• Less stressful and painful for the patient.

• In a few weeks, the patient might be able to resume their regular activities if they are in good physical health.

What are the benefits

Following are the benefits:

• Ankle, knee, elbow, hip, and wrist diseases that impact the joint are diagnosed and treated using arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgery. Meniscal rips, for instance, in the knee joints.

• Compared to open surgery, which makes a wider incision, precision surgery makes smaller incisions and performs operations solely on the affected areas.

• Future arthritis risk is decreased as a result of the operation.

• Smaller incisions result in less blood loss, less scarring, and a lower likelihood of needing a blood transfusion.

• Since there is less chance of infection, patients recover quickly and spend less time in the hospital.

• In comparison to open surgery, the procedure is less risky, painful, stressful, and usually easier on the patient.

• The patient will return home the same day as the surgery because it is an outpatient treatment.

• After an arthroscopic procedure, a physically fit person can begin walking immediately away and resume normal activities within a few days.

Risks

In general, arthroscopy is a safe and efficient treatment for treating joint problems. Less than 1% of patients are said to experience the following complications:

• Due to the use of surgical equipment inside the joint, damage to the tissue or nerve of the joint's surface.

• Wound site infection: If the wound is not adequately treated, it may get infected.

• Blood clots: Also known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), these potentially fatal blood clots form in the veins of the legs and can spread to the heart or lungs.

• Excessive bleeding or puffiness. Consult the best orthopaedic hospital in India if you are experiencing excessive bleeding.

• Sensitivity or bleeding at the surgical incision site.

Types of injuries that can be treated

When we suffer damage to our bones, ligaments, cartilage, muscles, tendons, etc. from an accident or an illness, arthroscopy operations are typically used to treat it. Among the ailments frequently treated are:

• Inflammation: The tissues around the joints of the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, etc. become inflamed as a result of arthritis or excessive use of the joints, resulting in redness, excruciating pain, and stiffness. For instance, synovitis joints.

• Damage to the joints due to injury (acute or chronic):

  • Anterior cruciate ligament tears

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist

  • Chondromalacia (injury of the cartilage in the knee)

  • Rotator cuff tendon tears

  • Repeated dislocation in the shoulder

  • Impingement of the shoulder

  • Meniscal or cartilage tear in the knee

  • Loose fragments or bodies of bone and/or cartilage of the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, wrist, etc.

Precautions to be taken after surgery

In order to prevent infection at the wound site following surgery, the dressing over the incision is removed the next day and coated with adhesive strips. Keep the bandage for the wound dry and clean. These puncture wounds could take several days to heal. To hasten the healing process and strengthen the joint, you might be given particular prescription drugs, slings or crutches, exercises, etc. A physically healthy person can quickly get back to their regular activities after an injury. However, the length of time it takes for each patient to recuperate differs based on their age, level of physical fitness, and other factors. Avoid doing hard exercises or lifting large objects, and get plenty of rest. To move your limbs, adhere to your doctor's directions. Consult with our experts regarding Arthroscopy surgery in India.