| The
following information aims to answer some of your questions
concerning Arthroscopic Surgery. You should, however, always
consult your surgeon if you have any concerns or queries about
your surgery.
What
is an Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy
is a surgical procedure orthopaedic surgeons use to visualize,
diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.
It
involves placing some small incisions around the joint to
be examined, and a small camera is inserted, as well as other
surgical instruments.
This
enables your surgeon to view the inside of your joint on a
television screen, rather than on a less-detailed x-ray, or
a more invasive operation. It also enables the surgeon to
do some smaller-type procedures.
What
joints can be operated on in this way?
Joints
commonly examined with arthroscopy include the knee, shoulder,
elbow, ankle, hip and wrist.
The
most common "treatments" done using arthroscopy
are shown below.
| • |
Knee
Arthroscopy |
| |
 |
-
Joint assessment
- Cartilage repair
- Meniscectomy
- Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (knee reconstruction)
- Removal of loose bodies
|
| • |
Shoulder
and Elbow Arthroscopy |
| |
|
-
Joint assessment
- Rotator cuff tendon repair
- Cartilage Repair/Resection
|
| • |
Ankle
and Hip Arthroscopy |
| |
|
-
Joint assessment |
What
are the benefits of an arthroscopy?
An
arthroscopic procedure is less invasive the an "open"
operation. It generally allows for quicker recovery time in
hospital, and a lot of patients go home several hours afterwards.
Recovery time is, of course, related to the complexity of
an individual patient's problem.
There
is also less scarring from the procedure than from a bigger
operation, due to the small size of the initial incisions.
What
are the risks of an arthroscopy?
As
with any operation there are potential risks involved in an
arthroscopy.
These
include the general risks of surgery, such as reactions to
the anaesthetic used (please inform your doctor of any previous
problems with anaesthetics), excessive bleeding, clots in
the leg veins and lungs, heart attacks or strokes, and infection
(such as pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or infection
of the joint itself).
More
specific complications to this type of surgery include temporary
or permanent nerve and muscle injury, or skin death, associated
with use of a tourniquet on the limb, damage to structures
inside the joint, and breakage of instruments inside the joint
(which could then lead to an "open" procedure).
Occasionally symptoms persist even after treatment, or an
abnormal pain response occurs (where pain worsens).
Your
surgeon can answer any other questions you might have about
the procedure, so please feel free to ask.
What
happens before the operation?
Once
you and your doctor have decided to go ahead with the operation,
you will be put on a waiting list for the procedure. Once
you are booked in, you will be required to attend a Pre-Admission
Clinic where you will be assessed by a team of medical and
allied health staff. We make sure you are fit for surgery,
and plan your rehabilitation and recovery at this point, and
address any other issues which may arise. You may also be
required to have more x-rays or blood tests on this day.
What
happens after the operation?
It
is not unusual for patients to go back to work or school or
resume daily activities within a few days. During your time
in hospital, you will have injections to decrease the chance
of clots forming in your legs, as well as standard pain relief
and any other treatment you may need.
Although
the puncture wounds are small and pain in the joint that underwent
arthroscopy is minimal, it takes several weeks for the joint
to maximally recover. Specific exercises or a rehabilitation
program may be prescribed to speed your recovery and protect
future joint function.
Usually
you will have a follow-up appointment at our outpatient clinic
approximately 6 weeks from the date of your operation. The
doctor will assess the speed of your recovery, and tell you
whether any further treatment or follow-up is needed. |
