Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure utilized for diagnosing & treating problems of the joints. Orthopedic surgeon will insert a narrow tube for this purpose which is attached to a optic video camera, through a small incision which is about the size of a buttonhole. Subsequently, the view inside the joint is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor screen. Arthroscopy Surgery allows orthopedic surgeons look inside the patient’s joints without making any large incision. Surgeons can also repair some types of joint damage during arthroscopy surgery with the help of pencil-thin surgical instruments which are inserted through additional small incisions.
Why Undergo Arthroscopy Surgery?
Orthopedic surgeons basically use arthroscopy surgery for diagnosing & treating a variety of joint conditions. Some of the most common joints which can be successfully treated through arthroscopy include the following.
- Wrist arthroscopy surgery
- Hip arthroscopy surgery
- Ankle arthroscopy surgery
- Elbow arthroscopy surgery
- Shoulder arthroscopy surgery
- Knee arthroscopy surgery
Arthroscopy Diagnostic Procedure
In case X-rays and/or other imaging tests have left some diagnostic questions unanswered, orthopedic surgeons would often turn to arthroscopy so as to confirm diagnosis.
Arthroscopy Surgical Procedure
Medical conditions which can be successfully treated with arthroscopy surgery include the following.
- Scarring within Joints
- Torn Ligaments
- Joint Infections
- Inflamed Joint Linings
- Torn or Damaged Cartilage
- Loose Bone Fragments
Risks & Complications Associated with Arthroscopy Surgery
Although uncommon, complications arising after arthroscopy surgery include the following.
- Infection – Like with any other type of invasive surgery, arthroscopy carries potential risk of infection.
- Tissue Damage – Placement & movement of instruments inside the joint can sometimes damage the structures within the joint.
- Blood Clots – Though this is quite rare, arthroscopy surgical procedure which lasts longer than 60 minutes can increase risk of developing blood clots in lungs or legs.
Preparing for Arthroscopy Surgery
Exact preparation for arthroscopy surgery will depend upon which joint is under examination or repair or both. General preparations for arthroscopy surgery include the following.
- Avoid Certain medications – Surgeons would want patients to avoid taking certain medications and/or dietary supplements which can increase risk of bleeding during & after surgery.
- Fasting Prior to Arthroscopy Surgery – Doctors may also want patients to avoid eating solid foods at least 8 hours before commencement of arthroscopy surgery. This will however depend upon the type of anesthesia to be used.
- Arrange for Someone to Ride Back Home after Surgery – Patients will not be permitted to drive themselves back home after arthroscopy surgery. Therefore, they need to ensure that someone will pick them up or ride them back home & to stay for the evening, or ideally for the first night at least following surgery.
- Choose Loose Fitting Clothing – Wearing loose & comfortable clothing following arthroscopy surgery. Baggy gym shorts can be ideal for patients undergoing knee arthroscopy. The idea is that they should be able to dress easily following the surgical procedure.
Arthroscopy Surgery Procedure
Every patient’s experience varies depending upon the reason they are undergoing arthroscopy surgery procedure including the joint which is involved in treatment. However, some aspects of arthroscopy surgery like the following remain fairly standard.
- Patients will have to remove jewelry & street clothes & put on shorts or a hospital gown.
- Nurses will put in place an intravenous catheter in forearm or hand & inject a mild sedative.
During Arthroscopy Surgery Procedure
The type of anesthesia employed for operation varies by the specifics of procedure. One of the following 3 types is generally involved.
- Local Anesthesia – Numbing agents are injected under skin so as to block sensation in a limited area like that of knee. Patients will however be awake during arthroscopy surgery & at most will feel pressure or sensation of movement within the joint under operation.
- Regional Anesthesia – Most common form of regional anesthesia is typically delivered using a small tube which is placed between two lumbar vertebrae of the spinal column. This will effectively numb the bottom half of the patient’s body while they remain awake during the procedure.
- General Anesthesia – Administration of this type of anesthesia will depend upon the duration of operation. It may be better for patients to be unconscious during the arthroscopy surgery procedure if it is lengthy. General anesthesia is typically delivered intravenously.
Patients will be placed in the best position depending upon the procedure they are undergoing. This may include being placed on the back, upon the abdomen or on the side. The limb which is to be worked upon will be put in a positioning device & a tourniquet may be used so as to decrease blood loss & make it easy for surgeons to see inside the joint. Another technique which helps to improve view inside the joint is to fill it with a sterile fluid. This will eventually distend the area & provide more room for viewing. One simple & small incision will admit the viewing device while additional small incisions at different points along the joint will allow surgeons to insert surgical tools which will help them grasp, grind, cut & provide suction as required for repairing the joint. These incisions will be small enough so as to be closed with just one or two stitches, or with the help of narrow strips of sterile adhesive tape.
Arthroscopy Surgery Aftercare
Arthroscopy surgery operation usually takes anywhere between 30 – 120 minutes of time to complete depending upon the type of procedure. Following this, patients will be taken to a separate room for recovery where they will stay monitored for a few hours before being discharged for going home. Arthroscopy surgery aftercare includes taking the following steps.
- Medications – Surgeons will prescribe medications so as to relieve inflammation & pain following arthroscopy surgery.
- Protection – Patients will in certain cases need temporary splints like crutches or slings for comfort & protection in the days after arthroscopy surgery for joint problems.
- Exercises – Surgeons often prescribe rehabilitation & physical therapy so as to help strengthen muscles & improve function of joints after surgery.
- I.C.E. – This is important once patients are at home. They will essentially need rest, ice, compresses & elevate joints for many days following arthroscopy surgery so as to reduce pain & swelling.
Patients should also call on the surgeons if they develop the following conditions.
- Pain which is unable to relieve by medication.
- Temperature of 38 degrees Celsius (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher.
- Persistent swelling or redness.
- Drainage from the site of incision.
- New tingling or numbness.
Arthroscopy surgery patients are generally able to resume light activity & desk work within a week following procedure. More strenuous activity can also be resumed in about 4 weeks of time. However, some situations can dictate a longer recovery period & rehabilitation following arthroscopy surgery.
Arthroscopy Surgery Outcomes
Surgeons will review findings of arthroscopy surgery with patients as soon as possible. Patients can also expect to receive a written report. Healing may at times take several weeks after arthroscopic surgery was employed to treat joint disease or injury. Surgeons in the meantime will however monitor progress during follow-up visits & address any problems when they crop up.
Affordable Arthroscopy Surgery Cost in India
Advantage of arthroscopy surgery over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be fully opened up for treatment. Knee arthroscopy involves only two small incisions which are made for operation. One accommodates the arthoscope & the other allows surgical instruments to explore & operate within the knee cavity. Arthroscopy also reduces time for recovery while increasing rate of success due to lesser trauma inflicted upon the connective tissue. This is especially useful for professional athletes who frequently injure knee joints while requiring faster healing at the same time. India, which has recently emerged as a leading global medical tourism destination boasts of a wide network of internationally accredited hospitals & top orthopedic surgeons who are aware of emerging trends in healthcare along with a capacity to handle latest advanced technologies. HealthYatra, which is associated with the best bone & joint hospitals & orthopedic surgeons, is a globally reputed healthcare tourism platform providing a variety of low cost medical procedures including arthroscopic surgery for joint problems to people from all around the world. HealthYatra services start with the first telephone conversation with the patient & go on to assist in identifying the right doctor & hospital for treatment, help in obtaining medical visa, warm reception at airport on arrival, convenient travel & comfortable accommodation, scheduled appointments & treatment procedures without any waiting period, exotic recuperative vacation options, follow-up appointments & finally a successful farewell.
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