Arthroscopy is one of the most widely used tools in modern orthopaedic medicine. It allows surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems through minimally invasive means, ultimately shortening recovery times and reducing pain.
Shoulders and knees are among the most common joints to be treated via arthroscopy, as these areas are prone to injury due to sports, repetitive use, and natural aging.
Here's a quick summary of what arthroscopy is, what you can expect during an arthroscopic procedure, and how recovery works.
What Is Arthroscopy?
The word “arthroscopy” comes from the Greek words arthro (meaning “joint)” and skopein (meaning “to look”). So, in the simplest terms, arthroscopy just means “to look inside the joint.”
During arthroscopy, an orthopaedic surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into the joint through a tiny incision. This camera projects detailed images onto a screen, giving the surgeon a clear view of your joint.
Additional small incisions can be made to insert necessary surgical instruments. Through these tiny incisions, the surgeon repairs or removes damaged tissue, or corrects structural problems, all without the need for large surgical openings.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
The shoulder is one of the most complex joints in the body. It allows for a wide range of motion, but it’s also prone to instability, impingement, and rotator cuff injuries. Shoulder arthroscopy is commonly performed to address:
- Rotator cuff tears: Your rotator cuff (which is supported by four main tendons) stabilizes your shoulder. If these tendons tear, it results in serious pain or limited range of motion.
- Labral tears: Like rotator cuff tears, labral tears can seriously disrupt your shoulder mobility. However, this condition specifically refers to tearing of the labrum, which is the ring of cartilage (rather than the tendons) cushioning your shoulder.
- Shoulder impingement: This condition occurs when a rotator cuff tendon does not tear, but instead gets trapped or compressed in the shoulder joint.
- Shoulder instability or dislocation: Any other causes of shoulder instability (beyond rotator cuff tears, labral tears, or impingement) can typically also be addressed through arthroscopy.
Because arthroscopic incisions are small, these procedures usually result in less scarring and a quicker recovery when compared to open surgery.
Knee Arthroscopy
In addition to shoulders, knees are a common joint treated through arthroscopy. The knee is highly vulnerable to acute injuries from sports or sudden twists, but also prone to long-term damage from chronic conditions like arthritis.
Common reasons for knee arthroscopy include:
- Meniscus tears: The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage that cushions your knee joint. If the meniscus tears, your knee will lose this critical padding, resulting in pain and discomfort.
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears: The ACL is a critical ligament that connects your thighbone to your shinbone. This ligament may tear during sudden twisting or overextension or the knee, oftentimes during sports or other intense physical activities.
- Arthritis: Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and determine the extent of arthritis, which is a chronic condition caused by the long-term loss of joint cartilage. An orthopaedic surgeon can examine your cartilage in detail, determining if and when further surgery may be necessary to relieve arthritic symptoms.
Knee arthroscopy is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning patients may go home the same day. Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the repair, but recovery after arthroscopy is almost always quicker than recovery from open surgery.
Benefits of Arthroscopy
As previously mentioned, compared to traditional open procedures, arthroscopy offers several advantages:
- Smaller incisions and less scarring
- Reduced pain after surgery
- Shorter recovery times
- Lower risk of infection
However, it’s important to note that not every joint condition can be solved with arthroscopy. In some cases, open surgery may still be necessary. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the best option based on your specific condition.
What to Expect During an Arthroscopic Procedure
During an arthroscopic procedure, you can expect to undergo these general steps:
- Preparation: You will likely receive regional or general anesthesia. The surgical area (around your shoulder, knee, or other joint) will be cleaned and prepared.
- Incisions: You surgeon will make small cuts to insert the arthroscope and accompanying surgical instruments.
- Repair: The surgeon will perform any necessary repairs on your joint and surrounding tissue. This stage, of course, varies greatly depending on your shoulder or knee condition.
- Closure: Your surgeon will safely close the small incisions using sutures or adhesive strips.
Depending on the procedure, all these steps can typically be completed in just 30 minutes to two hours.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
After an arthroscopic procedure, most patients can go home the same day. You may experience mild pain, swelling, or stiffness, which can usually be managed with ice, medications, and rest.
Oftentimes, physical therapy is a critical part of recovery. A physical therapist can recommend gentle exercises to restore motion, strength, and stability in the affected joint. Your surgeon will work closely with your recovery team, including a physical therapist, and also provide detailed instructions to speed up your healing and reduce the risk of complications.
Arthroscopic Surgery in El Paso, TX
If you suffer from persistent shoulder or knee pain, stiffness, or instability, an orthopaedic specialist may recommend arthroscopic treatment. Oftentimes, this recommendation will only come after non-surgical treatments like rest or medication don’t resolve your symptoms.
Don’t hesitate to contact our team today. We’ll build a customized treatment plan based on your unique symptoms and lifestyle needs, all with your long-term comfort and performance in mind.