What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy can be used to treat damage to ligaments and tendons, or even some bone fractures. Learn more in this article.

Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that has revolutionized medicine, especially in the field of trauma. This is a  small operation that can diagnose many lesions affecting the joints.

It does not only allow diagnosis:  it is currently used for the treatment of certain pathologies. This technique was invented in Japan and at first it was reserved for the knee joint.

However, with the advancement of technology,  arthroscopy has improved and today it can be used for any joint. It is used, for example, to do knee biopsies, repair a shoulder that tends to dislocate constantly, etc.

Because of its importance and usefulness, here we are going to tell you everything you need to know about arthroscopy, what it is, and why it is often used in today’s medicine.

What does arthroscopy consist of?

Arthroscopy is classified as a surgical technique because, to perform it, you have to make small incisions around the joint  you are going to work on. These incisions are necessary to allow placement of the device that allows visualization of the joint, without needing to fully open. Usually clamps and a camera are introduced to get images of the interior.

In other words, arthroscopy is a very minimally invasive operation. Its main purpose is to be able to see the inside of any joint, without the need for open surgery. Thanks to this, surgical complications are reduced considerably.

The main advantage of this technique is, at first, that one does not need to completely anesthetize the patient. In general, a local anesthesia on the area to be observed is sufficient. In addition, the recovery is much faster than during a conventional operation.

Likewise,  with arthroscopy, the risk of infections that occur through surgical injuries is greatly reduced. Although it does not appear to be the case, it does allow the joint to be seen better through the use of the camera and illumination.

The arthroscope is the name given to the small camera that is introduced. The process is simple; the first step is to properly disinfect the area. After that, the patient is anesthetized and the relevant incisions are made to introduce the required material.

What is arthroscopy used for?

Although, as we mentioned, it is mainly used for the knee, arthroscopy is used in other joints, such as the shoulder or the hip. It is often used to confirm a diagnosis, but it can also be used to take samples  from the interior of the joint.

Joint biopsies can differentiate certain diseases which are sometimes difficult to diagnose. This is for example the case with rheumatoid arthritis or certain types of tumors. In addition, arthroscopy is used for the treatment of certain pathologies, such as:

• Repair of ligaments and tendons. In fact, it is a technique that is making great progress in repairing lesions of the menisci.
• On the shoulder,  it is often used to prevent dislocations  for people who suffer from it repeatedly.
• It can help treat certain arthritis,  which is inflammation of the joint. More specifically, arthroscopy is of great use in those who have an infectious origin.
• It can be used for certain bone fractures  or to remove cysts.

Is there a need for recovery after arthroscopy?

Like any type of procedure, arthroscopy requires some posterior care to avoid complications. However, it must again be emphasized that  recovery is much faster than with conventional surgery.

As a first step, it  is recommended to apply ice to the area to reduce the inflammation. Also, if you place some type of bandage or compress on the incision, you should prevent them from getting wet. The safest thing is for the doctor to make an appointment to examine the lesions a few days later.

In addition,  you may be advised to take medication for pain and inflammation. In the same way, we will surely explain some rules of rest to you. All this will obviously depend on the lesion.

To conclude

Arthroscopy  is a relatively modern technique that allows you to visualize the inside of the joints. It is very useful, both for the diagnosis and for the treatment of numerous joint pathologies.