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ARTHROSCOPY
Arthroscopy
(also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive
surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and
sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an
arthroscope, an endoscope that is inserted into the joint
through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be
performed to evaluate or treat many orthopaedic conditions
including torn cartilage (known by health professionals as
"meniscus"), torn surface (articular) cartilage, ACL
reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage.
The advantage over traditional open surgery is that the
joint does not have to be opened up fully. For knee
arthroscopy only two small incisions are made, one for the
arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments to be used
in the knee cavity. This reduces recovery time and may
increase the rate of success due to less trauma to the
connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional
athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast
healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the
smaller incisions. Irrigation fluid is used to distend the
joint and make a surgical space. Sometimes this fluid leaks
(extravasates) into the surrounding soft tissue, causing
edema.
The surgical instruments are smaller than traditional
instruments. Surgeons view the joint area on a video
monitor, and can diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, such
as ligaments and menisci or cartilage.
It is technically possible to do an arthroscopic examination
of almost every joint, but is most commonly used for the
knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot, and hip. |