ORTHOPEDIC EXTREMITIES
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee injuries and conditions come in all types and degrees of severity. Some conditions require surgeons to replace part or all of the knee joint. Other conditions may only require treatment or repair of the ligaments, cartilage and tendons within and around the knee joint.
Knee Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, usually performed on an outpatient basis. Your surgeon uses miniature cameras and instruments to get a better view of the inner workings of your knee. This increases surgical precision and typically minimizes the number and size of surgical incisions. The Arthroscope is also often used to assist the surgeon’s visualization in other more complex surgeries. In some cases, additional incisions are needed.
Shoulder Arthoscopy
A shoulder surgery is commonly used to repair a damaged shoulder joint. During the surgery, a tiny camera known as the “arthroscope” is inserted into the shoulder. This is done after small incisions are made, keeping the surgical site intact. Once the camera is inserted, there are other surgical instruments used to access the area that needs to be repaired.
Arthroscopy is commonly used for treatment of shoulder conditions. These include subacromial impingement, acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis). It is also used for chronic tendonitis, removal of loose bodies and partial tears of the long biceps tendon. SLAP lesions and shoulder instability are treated this way too.
Shoulder arthroscopy is most commonly performed using regional nerve blocks, which numb your shoulder and arm. This numbing medicine is injected in the base of your neck or high on your shoulder. This is where the nerves that control feeling in your shoulder and arm are located. A nerve block is used as an anesthetic during surgery. It will also help control pain for a few hours after the surgery is completed. Many surgeons combine nerve blocks with sedation or a light general anesthetic. Patients can become uncomfortable staying in one position for the length of time needed to complete the surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is arthroscopy and why is it used?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure. A small camera called an arthroscope is inserted through small incisions, along with miniature instruments. This lets the surgeon see and work inside the joint. The surgical site is largely kept intact. Incisions are usually fewer and smaller than with open surgery. The procedure is often done on an outpatient basis.
Which knee problems are treated arthroscopically rather than with joint replacement?
Replacement is reserved for joints where the cartilage surface itself is worn out. Arthroscopy is used when the problem is with the ligaments, cartilage or tendons within and around the knee. Examples include a meniscal tear or a loose fragment. It applies when those structures can be treated or repaired. Which category you fall into is determined by examination and imaging.
What shoulder conditions are treated with arthroscopy?
Common ones include subacromial impingement, acromioclavicular osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tears and frozen shoulder. Others are chronic tendonitis, removal of loose bodies and partial tears of the long biceps tendon. SLAP lesions and shoulder instability are also common.
What kind of anesthesia is used for shoulder arthroscopy?
Shoulder arthroscopy is most often performed using a regional nerve block, which numbs the shoulder and arm. The numbing medication is injected at the base of the neck or high on the shoulder. That is where the nerves supplying that limb travel. Besides providing anesthesia during the procedure, the block continues to control pain for several hours afterward. Many surgeons combine it with other anesthesia techniques.
Do I have to have surgery to be seen for an extremity problem?
No. Most patients with knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, wrist or hand complaints are managed without an operation. Options include physical therapy, bracing, medication, laser or shockwave therapy and injections. Surgery is discussed when the findings call for it or when non-surgical care has been given a fair trial. Call 1 (855) 4-TRIMED to arrange an evaluation.