Facts and Tips About Arthroscopy and Arthoscopic Surgery in Texas
Arthroscopy involves the investigation and correction of joint problems with specialized tools. Learn more about the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of knee problems using the process.
Arthroscopy is a procedure done to diagnose and treat joint abnormalities. Your physician can suggest it when you have damaged a particular joint over time, if it has inflammation, or you have just injured it once. It is commonly carried out on the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, or hip.
History of arthroscopic surgery
The first genuinely effective arthroscope was developed in 1958 by Dr. Watanabehttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC-/. Later on in the 1960s, it was moved from Japan to the united states by Dr. Robert Jackson. There were several developments in this innovation throughout North America. The year 1982 saw the establishment of the Arthroscopy Association of North America https://www.aana.org//aanaimis/, which still stands as the largest association of its kind in the world.
Initially, the device had a light bulb placed at one end of the scope, but fiber optics made the device work even more perfectly like it does today.
Functions of the arthroscope
Currently, the most popular fiber-optic arthroscope for shoulder and knee surgery has a 4.0-mm scope with an angle of 30° that allows the scope to rotate and offer a wider viewing area.
Its small-sized scope makes it easy to view areas of the patient’s shoulder and knee that would be difficult to visualize under normal circumstances with open procedures. The orthopedic procedure is carried out with small clamps, knives, and other cutting instruments. So generally, the arthroscope helps in providing clear visualization essential in the diagnosis of symptoms.
Whatever ails your joint will determine the outcome of the treatment procedure, so the scope will not be used to treat you. Also, the device allows the physician to view any abnormalities on a patient’s joint, and it is these defects that determine whether it will be a successful debridement or repair that will take care of the problem.
Why is the process necessary?
The process of joint disease and injury diagnosis begins with a thorough physical assessment, examination of the medical history, and x-rays. Other tests like CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) may also be necessary. But it is the arthroscope that leads to a final diagnosis that is usually more precise than x-ray studies or ‘open’ surgery.
An arthroscopic examination can identify conditions https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/arthroscopy/ such as:
Inflammation
The procedure can find inflammation in the lining of the shoulder, knee, wrist, ankle, or elbow.
Acute or chronic injury
Joints can experience impingement syndrome, tears in the tendons and cartilage, recurrent dislocations, carpal tunnel syndrome, and loose bones or cartilage. On the knees, a patient may suffer from cartilage tears
What happens during an arthroscopic procedure?
The procedure takes place in an outpatient operating room or hospital. You may be given the general anesthesia that will make you sleep during the process, or the surgeon could numb the specific area where they intend to do the surgery.
The specialist will then create an incision (small cut) and insert the usually pencil-thin arthroscope inside the injured joint. They can also use a sterile liquid on the injured area to see more clearly, then diagnose the problem. If you need the surgery, they will use special tools, inserting them through smaller incisions known as portals. The process involves cutting, shaping, grasping, and anchoring stitches into the bone.
Optionally, orthopedic surgeons may perform the traditional ‘open’ surgery, and it may not be done at the same time as the arthroscopy surgery. Once done, they will remove the arthroscope as well as any other attachment, then close the wound with stitches or a special tape.
Recovery
The procedure leads to stiffness and less joint pain https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/what-is-arthroscopy#2 compared to open surgery. It may also take you less time to heal. A day after the process, you can do away with the surgical bandages then use small strips that cover the incisions. Keep the would dry at all times, even if it means covering it with a plastic bag as you shower.
Specific exercises or rehabilitation can help you heal faster, and your physician will advise which activities are safe for you. Complications are not common, and you can contact your doctor immediately you notice severe swelling, fever, continuous pain, tingling or numbness, or smelly fluid coming out from the wound.
If you are experiencing any joint pains and need an examination and treatment in East Texas, you can schedule an appointment https://azaleaortho.com/schedule-an-appointment/. If you are not a resident of the community, you can still talk to an orthopedist https://azaleaortho.com/ask-an-orthopedist/submit-a-question/ if you have any questions.
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