What is Arthroscopy/Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an arthroscope is used to examine the internal structures of a joint, such as a knee or hip, for diagnosis and treatment of joint problems. An arthroscope is a small, fibre-optic instrument consisting of a lens, light source, and video camera. The camera projects images of the inside of the joint onto a large monitor, allowing your surgeon to look for any damage, assess the type of injury and repair the problem.
Indications for Athroscopy/Minimally Invasive Surgery
Arthroscopy/minimally invasive surgery is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of the following joint conditions:
- Inflammation: Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle
- Acute or chronic injury: Injuries to the shoulder, knee and wrist joint such as cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint
- Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that becomes lodged within the joint
Preparation for Athroscopy/Minimally Invasive Surgery
In general, preparation for arthroscopy may include the following:
- A comprehensive medical evaluation will be conducted. This may include a review of your medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies for detailed evaluation of structures of the joint.
- You should inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, medications, or supplements you are taking.
- Some medications, such as blood thinners, may need to be adjusted or temporarily stopped before the surgery to minimise the risk of bleeding.
- You should refrain from eating or drinking for a specified period before the surgery.
- You should arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure
- You will be signing an informed consent form
Procedure for Arthroscopy/Minimally Invasive Surgery
During arthroscopic surgery, either a general, spinal or local anaesthesia will be given depending on the condition. A few small incisions of the size of a buttonhole is made around the joint. An arthroscope is inserted through one of the incisions for evaluation of the joint condition. The arthroscope transmits pictures of the joint onto a monitor for your surgeon to view. Based on the images, your surgeon inserts specially designed miniature surgical instruments through other incisions to carry out the required repair. After the procedure is completed, the arthroscope and instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches (sutures), staples or adhesives (Steri-Strips).
Postoperative Care
- The joint is usually wrapped in a bandage or placed in a brace.
- Ice packs and elevation are recommended to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs are also usually prescribed for pain management.
- Physical therapy is often recommended to restore joint function and strength.
- Instructions on incision site care is provided to keep the wound clean and dry.
- Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities and follow their surgeon’s recommendations on when to return to work and other activities.
Risks and Complications
Some of the possible complications of arthroscopy include:
- Infection
- Phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein)
- Excessive swelling
- Bleeding
- Blood vessel or nerve damage
- General anaesthesia risks
Benefits of Arthroscopy/Minimally Invasive Surgery
Advantages of arthroscopy include:
- Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions result in less tissue damage, reduced pain, and faster recovery compared to open surgery.
- Reduced Complications: Lower risk of infection and other complications due to smaller incisions.
- Faster Recovery: Patients generally experience quicker recovery times and can return to normal activities sooner.
- Accurate Diagnosis: Provides a clear view of the joint, allowing for precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.
