What is Arthroscopic Surgery?

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Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure where doctors use a special instrument called an arthroscope to view the inside of a joint. The arthroscope is a thin tube with a camera and light at the end. It’s inserted into the joint through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to see the joint’s interior on a monitor. This technique is much less invasive compared to traditional open surgery because it requires only tiny incisions.

The Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery

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1. Less Pain and Faster Recovery

2. Minimal Scarring

3. Faster Return to Activities

What to Expect After the Surgery

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Post-surgery, you may experience some swelling, bruising, or discomfort, but this typically improves over time. Pain management will be part of your recovery plan, and your doctor will prescribe pain killer medications.

Physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength and mobility to the joint. It’s important to follow your therapist’s instructions to get the best outcome from your surgery.

It is also common that you might be required to use either a knee brace or a shoulder brace after the surgery. Motion of the involved joint may have to be limited in the initial stages after surgery. Gradually these limitations will be lifted and your doctor will instruct you on the amount of movements allowed. For patients undergoing knee surgeries, the amount of weight your operated leg is allowed to bear will be limited too immediately after the procedure. 

Why Do People Need It?

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People typically need arthroscopic surgery when they have joint pain or problems that can't be managed with medications or physical therapy alone. This includes:

• Knee Issues: Torn ligaments (like the ACL), meniscus tears, or cartilage damage.

• Shoulder Problems: Rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or shoulder impingement syndrome.

How Does the Procedure Work?

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1. Preparation: Before the surgery, you'll be given anesthesia to make sure you don’t feel pain. Depending on the procedure, you may be given general anaesthesia (comepletely asleep) or regional anaesthesia. Again, depending on the type of surgery, you may be positioned in a supine position (laying down flat), lateral position (laying down sideways) or in a beach chair position (the name says it all).

2. Insertion: The surgeon makes a small incision near the joint and inserts the arthroscope. They may make additional tiny incisions to insert other specialized tools needed for the surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, the number of these tiny incisions may vary.

3. Diagnosis and Repair: The camera provides a detailed view of the joint on a monitor. The surgeon examines the joint and performs the necessary repairs using the small tools. 

4. Completion: Once the repair is done, the surgeon removes the instruments and closes the incisions with small stitches or adhesive strips.

5. Recovery: You’ll spend some time in the recovery room, and then you will either be allowed to go home the same day (daycare) or stay in the hospital for a couple of days. Your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for your joint, which may include rest, physical therapy, and gradually increasing activity.

Risks and Considerations

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Like any surgery, arthroscopic procedures come with some risks, including infection, bleeding, joint stiffness or reactions to anesthesia. However, these risks are relatively low. Most people find the benefits far outweigh these potential issues, particularly when it comes to pain relief and improved joint function.