Arthroscopy Surgery

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure by which the joint (knee,shoulder etc.) is accessed by just 4 mm key-holes and special dedicated instruments are used to visualise a magnified view of the interior of the joint on a dedicated HD monitor screen.
Arthroscopy enables evaluation, diagnoses and also treatment of many joint problems. Many unexplained joint problems not revealed by CT and MRI scans can be identified. For any damage to the interior of the joint, many therapeutic options also exist.

How is Arthroscopy performed?

An arthroscope is a small 4 mm diameter pencil shaped device used to view your joint. A small 4 mm buttonhole incision is sufficient to introduce this arthroscope inside your joint. It has an attached light source and camera with fiberoptic cables to visualise the interior of the joint on a HD monitor.

Additional such portals are established for similar sized instruments. Two portals are a minimum requirement.

What are the advantages of Arthroscopy?

  Very minimal blood loss
  Very less pain
  Avoiding opening up of the joint which is very morbid
  Minimal painkillers requirement
  Minimal recovery time
  Less morbid
  Cosmetically appealing-small scar marks
  Some procedures are performed on a day-care basis

Which joints are amenable for Arthroscopy procedure?

The KNEE AND SHOULDER are the common joints for Arthroscopy. However for selective indications the ankle, elbow and hip are also accessed by Arthroscopy.

Does the procedure involve Anaesthesia?

Yes. Knee and ankle Arthroscopy is performed under spinal/general anaesthesia based on your decision and fitness by anaesthetist. However shoulder Arthroscopy is performed under General anaesthesia.

Can I get discharged the same day?

Most Asrthroscopic procedures entails discharge on the same day/maximum of 2-3 days for major ligament reconstructions. Patients are encouraged to walk on the same day and climb stairs within 1-3 days depending on their comfort.

What are the specific complications/disadvantages of Arthroscopy?

Most arthroscopic procedures entails discharge on the same day/maximum of 2-3 days for major ligament reconstructions. Patients are encouraged to walk on the same day and climb stairs within 1-3 days depending on their comfort.

What are the specific complications/disadvantages of Arthroscopy?

Although the complications due to Arthroscopy are quite less, there are some risks still like Infection, anaesthesia related complications, swelling, phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein), instrument breakage, nerve/vascular injury are possible complications. The risk of infection is still very small unlike open surgery where the incision size is larger.

Although the complications due to Arthroscopy are quite less, there are some risks still like Infection, anaesthesia related complications, swelling, phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein), instrument breakage, nerve/vascular injury are possible complications. The risk of infection is still very small unlike open surgery where the incision size is larger.

The advanced technological instruments are not available in all centres.

What are some common conditions treated by Arthroscopy?

Some common conditions treated include:
  Acute and chronic injuries of menisci/cartilage/muscles
  removal of loose bodies, biopsy of synovium
  Arthroscopic lavage and debridement for septic arthritis, tubercular/rheumatoid synovitis
  Osteoarthritis (early)