Arthroscopic Surgery

What is Arthroscopic Surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure that the team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates uses to visually examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside your joint. This type of surgery uses a special instrument called an arthroscope to avoid the need for a large incision.

An arthroscope is a long, thin, flexible tube with a light and camera lens at the end. The camera magnifies and projects images of the inside of your joint onto a screen for your surgeon to view.

This technique provides your surgeon with important visual information to diagnose the cause of your joint pain. They can also treat injuries arthroscopically by inserting miniature surgical tools through the arthroscope.

Why Would I Need Arthroscopic Surgery?

The team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates uses arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a wide range of orthopaedic conditions. Some of the most common conditions they use arthroscopic surgery for include:

• Arthritis
• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Meniscus tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

Although arthroscopy can be used on any joint, the team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates most frequently uses it on the shoulder, ankle, hip, and wrist.

What are the Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery?

Since arthroscopic surgery only requires a small incision, this technique offers many benefits over open surgery. Advantages of arthroscopy include:

• Less damage to healthy tissue
• Faster recovery time
• Less pain and scarring
• Reduced risk of infection

Most of the time, the team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates performs arthroscopic surgery as an outpatient procedure so you can avoid a hospital stay.

What Happens During Arthroscopic Surgery?

Before they recommend arthroscopic surgery, your provider at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your medical history. They may also take diagnostic tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to ensure you’re a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery.

During the procedure, your surgeon makes a few tiny incisions about the size of a buttonhole. They insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments into these incisions to diagnose and treat your condition.

Afterward, they cover your wounds with a bandage and provide you with instructions on how to care for them at home. At your next visit, your surgeon checks your healing process and works with you to create a rehabilitation plan.

To learn more about arthroscopic surgery, call Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates or book an appointment online.