Arthroscopy   Joint Replacement  Casts & Splints

What is Arthroscopy? Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that helps orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. The term arthroscopy literally means to "look within the joint." An arthroscope is a pencil sized instrument that contains a lens and fiber optic lighting system which are attached to a television camera and allows the surgeon to see the inside of a joint. Through the arthroscope, a more accurate diagnosis can be made than from X-rays. With the use of special arthroscopic instruments, many conditions can be treated arthroscopically, avoiding the need for open surgery. What Conditions can Arthroscopy Treat? Although the inside of nearly all joints can be viewed with an arthroscope, those most commonly examined are the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist. Some of the most common procedures that can be done with an arthroscope are: Repair of torn cartilage or ligaments Reconstruction of ligaments Removal of inflamed linings (synovium) Removal of loose bone or cartilage Release of carpal tunnel How is Arthroscopy Performed? Arthroscopy is sometimes referred to as "band-aid" surgery as the incisions used are so small that they do not require stitches. It does, however, require the use of anesthetics which can be general or local, depending on the joint and suspected problem. A small incision about the size of a buttonhole will be made to insert the arthroscope. Additional incisions may be made to see other parts of the joint or insert other instruments. When needed, corrective surgery can be performed using specially-designed instruments that are inserted through the additional incisions. After arthroscopic surgery, the small incisions are simply covered with a dressing and many patients need little or no pain medication. Most patients are able to go home several hours after the surgery and the small puncture wounds normally heal within several days.