When it comes to joint surgery, there are many procedures that traditionally required large incisions to open up a joint for the surgeon to perform repairs and treatments. However, because of advancements in medical technology, this is no longer necessary for a vast amount of surgeries involving joints.
What is Arthroscopic Surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery uses minimally invasive techniques to perform surgery that would otherwise require the surgery site to be opened up. Arthroscopic surgery involves the use of an arthroscope (camera) and miniature surgical tools, used to treat issues affecting joints. The surgical procedure allows surgeons to look into a joint, diagnose the underlying issue, and treat the problem – all without having to open up the entire joint. Arthroscopic surgery is most often performed on the knee, elbow, ankle, shoulder, wrist, and hip.
To perform arthroscopic surgery, your surgeon will make very small incisions in the joint and insert the arthroscope and surgery tools into them. Guided by the camera, the surgeon will diagnose the issue in the joint and perform surgery. Once complete, the surgery site will be closed with stitches, and you will enter the recovery room.
Benefits
There are many benefits to arthroscopic surgery. First, the procedure involves less trauma to healthy tissue around the joint. When performing traditional surgery, it’s necessary for the surgeon to cut open the surgery site using a big incision. To access the exact spot where repairs need to be made, more internal tissue may need to be cut through or adjusted. With arthroscopic surgery, this isn’t necessary. Because the miniature tools are sent into tiny incisions and can move around the joint easily, you have far less tissue trauma because of surgery. As a result, you will have less post-surgery pain, a shorter recovery period, and less scars when the wound has healed.
Arthroscopic surgery is also safer because it has less risk of infection. Because the incisions are very small in arthroscopic surgery, far less internal tissue is exposed to the air. There is minimal disturbance to the healthy tissue around the joint. As a result, the risk of infection decreases significantly.
Arthroscopic surgery is also very effective. Even though the downsides of surgery (pain, scars, recovery period, and stitches) are far less in an arthroscopic procedure, the benefits do not decrease. In fact, arthroscopic surgery is just as effective (if not more) than traditional joint surgery. In the end, you walk away with as effective results as possible with the least amount of trauma and pain.
Arthroscopic surgery is a state-of-the-art technique used widely across the medical field. If you are supposed to have joint surgery, talk to a board-certified surgeon about whether arthroscopic surgery is right for you.
Arthroscopic Surgery in San Antonio, TX
The expert physicians at The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine are happy to help you with any orthopedic injury or condition you may be suffering from. Don’t delay and live with pain any longer than you have to. Come see how we can help you feel better and get back to your life. Call (210) 692-7400 to make an appointment. You can also send an appointment request online.
