Arthoscopy

Joint problems are on the rise due to large number of people who exercise/participate in competitive sports and are thus prone to injury.

Arthoscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in a joint .These may be detected by clinical examination and on X-Ray/MRI but the actual extent is verified only by direct visualization.

WHY ARTHROSCOPY!

To patients it offers the advantage of smaller incisions,reduced pain and faster recovery thus disturbing their routine very little.For doctors it allows excellent views of the joint thus allowing more precise more precise surgery.
It is commonly done for the knee and shoulder joints as these joints can be well accessed and are large enough for instruments to be inserted and manipulated during ARTHROSCOPIC surgery.However ARTHROSCOPY of hip,elbow,ankle etc is also done.

TECHNIQUE:

Through a small (about 5 mm)incision,a camera attached to a fiber optic light source is inserted into the the images of the inside of joint are viewed on a TV monitor.
The joint may be inflated with saline to flush out any debris and create space for operating.Other small incisions are made to allow insertion of instruments during surgery.

COMMON ARTHROSCOPIC PROCEDURES

KNEE JOINT:

To diagnose torn Cartilage,Ligament injury ,knee Cap problems etc.
Meniscus tear repair/excision ,loose body removal liagament reconstruction ,shaving of degenerative cartilage can all be done arthroscopically.

SHOULDER JOINT:

For diagnosis and treatment of shoulder instability,rotator cuff tears,should bursits and frozen shoulder.

AFTER CARE

After ARTHROSCOPY the joint will be bandaged and painkillers prescribed.
There will be some swelling and discomfort.
The small incisions heal within 2-3 weeks.
Physiotherapy and exercises may be advised may be advised to speed recovery.

About the Author:

Dr. Rahul Nerlikar

Qualifications: MS(Orth), DNB(Orth), FRCS(Glasgow), MCh (Orth)(UK)

Currently doing private practice as an Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in Joint Replacement and Arthroscopic Surgery at Kelkar Nursing Home. He is also Honorary Associate Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, K.E.M Hospital, Pune

Contact Information: rahulnerlikar@gmail.com

Website: http://care-for-joints.com (Powered by Websites For Doctors)