Arthroscopy
Introduction
Source: NHS
In this topic (5)
An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery usedboth to diagnose and treat problems with joints.
It's most commonly used on the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips.
An arthroscopyinvolves the use of a device called anarthroscope to examine the joints. This is a thin,metal tube about the length and width of a drinking straw that contains a light source and a camera. Images are sent from the arthroscope to a video screen or an eyepiece, so the surgeon is able to see inside the joint.
It's also possible for tiny surgical instruments to be used alongside an arthroscopeto allow the surgeon to treatcertain joint conditions.
As the equipment used during an arthroscopy is so small, onlyminor cuts need to be made in the skin. This means the procedure has some potential advantages over traditional, "open" surgery, including:
- less pain after the operation
- faster healing time
- lowerrisk of infection
- you can often go home the same day
- you may be able to return to normal activities more quickly
Why it's used
An arthroscopy might be recommended if you have problems such as persistent Joint pain , swelling or stiffness, and scans have not been able to identify the cause.
An arthroscopy can also be used to treat a range of joint problems and conditions. For example, it can be used to:
- repair damaged cartilage
- remove fragments of loose bone or cartilage
- drain away any excess fluid
- treatconditions such as arthritis , frozen shoulder or carpal tunnel syndrome
These will usuallyimprove during thedays or weeks following the procedure.
More seriousproblems are much less common, occurring in less than 1 in100 cases. They include:
- a blood clot that develops in one of the limbs this is known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and it cancause pain and swelling in the affected limb
- infection inside the joint this is known as septic arthritis and it can cause a high temperature (fever), pain and swelling in the joint
- bleeding inside the joint which often causes severe pain and swelling
- accidental damage to the nerves that arenear the joint this can lead to numbness and some loss of sensation, which may be temporary or permanent
Speak to your surgeon about the possible risks before agreeing to have an arthroscopy.
Articles for Arthroscopy
'My knee feels fantastic right now'
Ashley French, from north London, decided to go ahead with an arthroscopy after he noticed something was wrong with his knee. He hasn't looked back since.
How an arthroscopy is carried out
An arthroscopy procedure usually lasts between 30 minutes and two hours. You can normally go home the same day or the following morning.
Introduction
An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used both to diagnose and treat problems with joints. It's most commonly used on the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, wrists and hips.
Recovering from an arthroscopy
How long it takes to recover after an arthroscopy can vary, depending on the type of surgery you had, your general health and the type of work that you do.
When an arthroscopy may be used
An arthroscopy can be carried out to help diagnose and treat a number of joint problems and conditions.
