The total joint specialists at the Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group use arthroscopy to help diagnose and treat a variety of joint ailments commonly associated with the knees, shoulders, ankles, hips, elbows and wrists.
During arthroscopic surgery or arthroscopy, an orthopedic surgeon makes a tiny incision in the area around your joint and then inserts an arthroscope, which is tubular instrument about the width of a pencil. The joint is filled with saline solution to provide a better view. A beam of light and a small video camera with a magnifying lens are attached to the arthroscope and connected to a video monitor so that the surgeon can see the magnified image of the joint.
If your joint needs repair, your surgeon will insert surgical instruments into the joint through the arthroscope or through additional small incisions.
When the surgery is complete, your surgeon will remove the arthroscope and any other instruments and flush the joint with a saline solution. Your surgeon may also inject local anesthetics into the joint to reduce pain. The incisions may be closed with stitches, if necessary. The typical arthroscopic procedure is performed in an outpatient setting and generally lasts about an hour.
Advantages of arthroscopic versus open orthopedic surgery:- Outpatient Surgery
- Less traumatic
- Fewer complications
- Faster recovery
Joint ailments and medical conditions that may benefit from arthroscopy include:
- Bone spurs or loose bone fragments
- Damaged or torn cartilage
- Inflamed joint linings
- Joint diseases (e.g. arthritis)
- Joint infections
- Scar tissue
- Torn ligaments
- Unexplainable joint pain
Although, arthroscopy is a relatively low risk procedure it is important to discuss the associated risks with your orthopedic surgeon.