What is Arthroscopy?
- Simply put, arthroscopy is a way for a surgeon to look inside a joint, fix problems, and do
- Traditional Open Surgery requires a large cut to open the joint completely so the surgeon can see and work.
- Arthroscopy uses an arthroscope—a pencil-thin instrument with a tiny camera and light on the end—inserted through a small incision, the "keyhole".
How Does the Surgeon See Inside?
The process is very modern and high-tech. The surgeon makes a small cut (usually less than half an inch) and inserts the arthroscope which has a tiny camera on its end. The camera sends a magnified (larger than life) image of the joint's inside to a video screen in the operating room. The surgeon makes one or two other small incisions to insert tiny surgical tools to fix the problem while watching the screen.
Which Joints Can Be Treated with Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy can be used on almost any joint, but it is most common for the:
Repairing a torn meniscus or AC ligament.
Fixing rotator cuff tears or treating dislocations.
Repairing labral tears or removing bone spurs.
Treating various ligament and cartilage issues.
The Advantages of Keyhole Surgery
Key Structures:
Recovery
Recovery time depends on the joint and the problem being fixed.
Home the Same Day:
Most arthroscopic procedures are outpatient, meaning you go home within hours of the surgery.
Rest & Ice:
You will need to rest the joint and use ice to reduce swelling and pain for the first few days.
Physical Therapy
This is crucial! You will likely start exercises soon after surgery to restore strength and movement. Following your therapist’s instructions is the key to a successful outcome.
Full recovery
Depending on the repair, it can take anywhere from a few weeks (simple procedure) to several months (complex ligament reconstruction) to fully recover. Your doctor will give you a specific timeline.
We recommend arthroscopy; remember that it is a safe, effective, and common procedure designed to help you recover faster and get back to the things you enjoy!
Shoulder Surgery
When something in the shoulder—like the tendons or the smooth cartilage—is severely damaged, it can cause pain, weakness, and limited movement. Surgery is used to either repair the damaged tissue or replace the worn-out joint.
Knee Surgery
The goal of any knee surgery is to relieve pain, restore movement, and improve your quality of life. Whether caused by arthritis, injury, or long-term wear and tear, surgery aims to help you get back to your daily activities with greater comfort and mobility.
Arthroscopy is the least invasive type of knee surgery, often used to repair targeted injuries.
Hip Surgery
The ends of the bones are covered with smooth tissue called cartilage. This cartilage allows the ball to spin easily in the socket, letting you walk, bend, and move without pain. When the cartilage wears away due to arthritis or injury, the bone-on-bone rubbing causes pain, stiffness, and limits your movement. This is when a hip procedure may be needed.
The type of surgery you need depends on how much damage there is in your hip joint. Total Hip Replacement is the most common type of hip surgery. It is recommended when the damage (usually from severe arthritis) is too great to repair, and you need a completely new joint.
Spine Surgery
Your spine (backbone) is a column of bones (vertebrae) stacked on top of each other. Discs act like soft cushions or shock absorbers between these bones, and nerves run through the middle. When a problem in your spine—like a disc slipping or bone spurs forming—pushes on a nerve, it causes pain, weakness, or numbness. Spine surgery is used to take pressure off the nerves, stabilize the spine, and relieve pain.
How it works
Instead of making a large cut, the surgeon uses smaller cuts and special instruments or tubes to reach the spine. This involves moving muscle aside instead of cutting through it.
Benefits
- Smaller scars.
- Less blood loss.
- Shorter hospital stays.
- Faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery.