What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows the ROC Orthopedics team to examine and treat the inside of your joint without making a large incision. This type of surgery uses a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope, which has a light and camera system at one end.
Because the arthroscope is so narrow, your surgeon inserts it through a very small incision, about the size of a buttonhole. The arthroscope projects images of the inside of your joint onto a monitor.
This provides the team with a clear, magnified view of your joint so they can accurately diagnose problems. They may also use miniature surgical tools to treat your joint through additional small incisions.
What does arthroscopic surgery treat?
ROC Orthopedics uses arthroscopy to treat conditions in many joints, including:
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Ankle
- Wrist
ROC Orthopedics specializes in hip arthroscopy and is one of only two Portland-area medical facilities to perform both anterior and posterior hip replacement.
They may also use arthroscopy to remove loose bone fragments or pieces of cartilage or to reconstruct a torn ligament.
Arthroscopy is also a valuable diagnostic tool when imaging tests, such as a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, are impossible or leave questions unanswered.
What should I expect from an arthroscopic procedure?
First, your provider performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history to make sure you’re a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery. If nonsurgical treatments are available for your condition, they use those first.
Before arthroscopic surgery, the team explains the details of your procedure. These vary based on the condition you have and the joint affected. They perform most arthroscopic surgeries as outpatient procedures, which means you don’t have to stay at the hospital.
Arthroscopic surgery is minimally invasive. This means it offers many benefits compared with traditional, open surgery, including:
- Less pain
- Smaller scars
- Less damage to healthy tissue
- Reduced risk of complications
Even though it’s minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery still requires some type of anesthesia. Depending on your needs, you may get local, regional, or general anesthesia before the procedure.
Afterward, the team provides you with instructions on how to care for yourself at home to ensure an optimal recovery.
To find out if arthroscopic surgery is right for your joint pain, call ROC Orthopedics or book an appointment online today.
