If you have joint issues and have already tried nonsurgical treatments to no avail, ask your doctor about arthroscopic joint repair. Advances in arthroscopy have made it possible for surgeons to perform joint repairs through this type of minimally invasive outpatient surgery.
Arthroscopy is an image-guided diagnostic and treatment procedure used by doctors to address a wide range of joint issues. Using arthroscopy, your doctor can access your joint without having to make a large incision, for quicker post-surgical recovery and less scarring. Arthroscopy also allows your doctor to see inside the joint in high-quality resolution in order to perform precision repairs using miniature surgical instruments.
Arthroscopic Joint Repair
Today, arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the joints of the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, and wrist.
Your surgeon may recommend arthroscopy if earlier diagnostic imaging procedures are inconclusive. Surgeons use arthroscopy to treat inflammation in the joints, torn ligaments, scarring, and damaged or torn cartilage. The most common conditions treated using arthroscopy are knee replacements and rotator cuff tears in the shoulder.
The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery usually allows a reduction in post-surgical pain and a much shorter healing and recovery period compared to traditional surgery. With arthroscopic joint repair surgery, you get to return to your physically active lifestyle sooner rather than later. You can expect to be up, using an assistive device as soon as 24 hours after your surgery.
Not all joint conditions are well-suited for an arthroscopic approach. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine whether an arthroscopic joint repair procedure is best for you. There may be other surgical methods that are more effective for your condition.
How Joint Arthroscopy Is Performed
An arthroscopy starts with the orthopedic surgeon making a tiny incision around the affected area where he can insert the arthroscope, a tiny flexible tube with a fiber-optic camera attached to it. With is, your doctor will be able to see real-time images of your joint on a screen. Guided by the images he sees on the monitor, the surgeon will be able to clearly see the area and perform any needed treatment at the same time, aided by miniature instruments via the tube.
Arthroscopy is possible due to a variety of technological advances, allowing you to have better and more comfortable outcomes after your joint repair or joint replacement surgery.
Orthopedic Surgeon in Clinton Township, Michigan
Arthroscopic Joint RepairOur team of orthopedic surgeons at Movement Orthopedics treats a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions and injuries using only the most advanced treatment methods available on the market, including arthroscopy for outpatient joint repair and joint replacement surgeries. The goal is to provide a highly individualized treatment plan that is suitable to your needs and lifestyle.
Our friendly staff is eager to assist you. Call Movement Orthopedics at (586) 436-3785 or request an appointment now.
