What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint. Usually the surgery is viewed on a monitor so that the whole operating team is aware of the type of surgical procedure that is being performed.
What can be seen and done with the arthroscope?
The arthroscope allows the surgeon to see many structures inside the joint. The development of specialised instrumentation has increased the repertoire of the arthroscopic surgeon in dealing with pathology in the various joints.
During the procedure, which is conducted under anesthesia, the inside of the joint is examined for damaged tissue. The most common types of arthroscopic …show more content…
Arthroscopes are approximately 5 mm in diameter, so the incisions are very small (approximately 1/8 inch). Arthroscopy is much less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues than the traditional method of performing “open” surgery with long incisions (arthrotomy).
The benefits of arthroscopy involve smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.
During the procedure, which is conducted under anesthesia, the inside of the joint is examined for damaged tissue. The most common types of arthroscopic surgery are performed on the knee or shoulder. These include removal or repair of torn structures, for instance : ligament reconstruction in the knee (ACL or PCL reconstruction) , stabilisation of the shoulder or repair of the rotator cuff tendons.
Other procedures include removal of loose debris and trimming damaged cartilage. If the need arises other joints can also be arthroscope ie. the elbow, ankle, wrist and hand.
Some common conditions in which our surgeons routinely use arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a small camera (arthroscope) is inserted into the knee joint. Usually the surgery is viewed on a monitor so that the whole operating team is aware of the type of surgical procedure that is being performed.
What can be seen and done with the arthroscope?
The arthroscope allows the surgeon to see many structures inside the joint. The development of specialised instrumentation has increased the repertoire of the arthroscopic surgeon in dealing with pathology in the various joints.
During the procedure, which is conducted under anesthesia, the inside of the joint is examined for damaged tissue. The most common types of arthroscopic …show more content…
Arthroscopes are approximately 5 mm in diameter, so the incisions are very small (approximately 1/8 inch). Arthroscopy is much less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues than the traditional method of performing “open” surgery with long incisions (arthrotomy).
The benefits of arthroscopy involve smaller incisions, faster healing, a more rapid recovery, and less scarring. Arthroscopic surgical procedures are often performed on an outpatient basis and the patient is able to return home on the same day.
During the procedure, which is conducted under anesthesia, the inside of the joint is examined for damaged tissue. The most common types of arthroscopic surgery are performed on the knee or shoulder. These include removal or repair of torn structures, for instance : ligament reconstruction in the knee (ACL or PCL reconstruction) , stabilisation of the shoulder or repair of the rotator cuff tendons.
Other procedures include removal of loose debris and trimming damaged cartilage. If the need arises other joints can also be arthroscope ie. the elbow, ankle, wrist and hand.
Some common conditions in which our surgeons routinely use arthroscopy