Arthroscopy FAQ
By Sports Medicine Oregon
- What is arthroscopy?
- What conditions are treated with arthroscopic surgery?
- What are the advantages of arthroscopy?
- What is the recovery process from arthroscopic surgery?
- Are there risks associated with arthroscopy?
- What is arthroscopy?
- What conditions are treated with arthroscopic surgery?
- What are the advantages of arthroscopy?
- What is the recovery process from arthroscopic surgery?
- Are there risks associated with arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is both a diagnostic and corrective procedure used in the treatment of orthopaedic conditions. The approach is minimally invasive in nature, and requires that only small incisions be made to the skin surface. Through these incisions, a small camera and tools are inserted into the joint's interior, allowing the surgeon and team to observe surgical efforts via a live broadcast feed. While an arthroscopic approach is frequently used to determine the extent and severity of damage present, whenever possible, the Sports Medicine Oregon team will implement corrective measures during the same operation.
Cases of both wear-based inflammation and injury-associated damage may be subject to arthroscopic intervention. Frequently treated conditions include, but are not limited to:
• Synovitis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Cartilage damage
• Ligament tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
While arthroscopic efforts may be used in the examination of almost any joint, the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle are the most conducive for this type of care. When determining whether arthroscopic treatment is applicable, the team at Sports Medicine Oregon will take into account a number of factors, including both condition severity and location.
Due to the use of small incisions and less cutting (as compared to traditional open surgery), arthroscopy allows for shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times for the majority of patients. Likewise, most arthroscopic procedures are completed on an outpatient basis, enabling patients to return home within hours of surgery. Other frequently reported benefits include reduced blood loss during surgery and a more natural joint feeling upon healing.
Although of a minimal nature, the incisions will require several days to heal and should be covered with a dry, sterile dressing. Depending on the specific joint treated and level of surgical intervention, special measures, such as bracing or the use of crutches, may be recommended to avoid the placement of destructive pressure or the premature opening of sutures.
While arthroscopic procedures tend to result in less pain than more invasive surgeries, a gradual approach should be undertaken when returning to both everyday and recreational behaviors. The team at Sport Medicine Oregon will advise regarding when it is safe to return to specific activities in order to avoid delayed recovery or re-injury.
While there are minimal risks associated with arthroscopy, as with any surgical procedures, complications can occur. Potential issues include blood loss, excessive swelling, or instrument breakage; however, these complications occur in far less than 1% of all procedures.
To ensure the best recovery, any unexpected symptoms or concerns should be reported to the surgical care team immediately.
To learn more about the arthroscopic offerings of Sports Medicine Oregon, contact the Tigard, OR practice at (503) 692-8700.
