Arthroscopy

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive camera-guided surgical procedure designed to inspect, diagnose, and treat conditions of a joint. Arthroscopy is commonly used for the:

• Knee
• Elbow
• Hip
• Shoulder
• Ankle
• Wrist

Arthroscopy is an effective, safe, and low-risk procedure. With arthroscopy, a consultation, imaging, and diagnosis is always the first step before Dr. Chao schedules your procedure for a later date.

When would I need arthroscopy?

Damage, inflammation, or injury to a joint might require arthroscopy. Tears of the rotator cuff, anterior cruciate ligament, and meniscal cartilage are common conditions that rely on arthroscopy for diagnosis and treatment.

Arthroscopy can diagnose and treat an array of conditions, including:

• Damaged or torn cartilage
• Inflamed joints
• Loose bone fragments
• Torn ligaments
• Joint infections
• Joint scarring

Dr. Chao can help you determine if an arthroscopy is the right option to diagnose or treat your condition.

How does arthroscopy work?

Arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, so you’ll be back at home on the same day. Arthroscopy involves anesthesia and the type of anesthesia depends on the condition, severity, the affected joint, and surgical protocol.

Dr. Chao might use different types of anesthesia for arthroscopy. With general anesthesia, you’re asleep during the procedure. With a spinal anesthetic, Dr. Chao makes the injections into your spine for anesthesia targeted to specific body parts. With a local anesthetic, he uses numbing agents directly on the treatment site.

Once anesthetized, Dr. Chao makes a tiny incision that’s smaller than a buttonhole and inserts a pencil-sized instrument that magnifies and illuminates your joint’s interior structure. 

The instrument effectively transmits the images through fiber optics to a special monitor. Sterile fluid fills the joint to make it easier for Dr. Chao to see.

Dr. Chao uses this monitor to evaluate the severity and type of damage with a full view of your joint. If necessary, he uses specialized tools inserted through additional small incisions to properly repair the damage.

Once the procedure is complete, Dr. Chao dresses your incisions to optimize the healing process. Arthroscopy is accurate and effective and little to no pain medication is needed. The wounds heal over several days and your joint usually requires several weeks for a full recovery.

In just a few days, you can get back to your normal life and daily activities. You can resume your athletic activities within weeks to months.

If joint pain is the obstacle in the way of your healthy and active life, arthroscopy could be the right solution. If you have questions about arthroscopy and you’re interested in learning more about this innovative procedure, call OasisMD or schedule online today.