Orthopedic injuries can feel devastated, especially if you are informed that surgery may be required. Patients are immediately concerned about recovery, overall downtime, and complications, but thanks to arthroscopic surgery, diagnosis and repair has become much simpler. We offer arthroscopic procedures to our patients to quickly and effectively alleviate pain and discomfort caused by injury or disease.

To determine if your joint pain may be fixed using arthroscopic surgery, contact us for anappointment.

What is Arthroscopic Surgery? 

Arthroscopy is a minimally-invasive surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to view, diagnose, and treat a range of issues within a joint. A camera is inserted through a small incision that projects images onto a screen for the surgeon. Small surgical instruments are then used to help fix certain issues or damage found within the joint. When using arthroscopy as a diagnostic tool, it allows the surgeon to either fix the issue right away, or decide more accurately that full surgery will be required to remedy the problem.

Indications for Arthroscopic Surgery 

There are a variety of diseases and injuries in which orthopaedic surgeons use arthroscopic surgery. Some of the most common ailments include: 

• Inflammation, such as synovitis
• Shoulder injuries (rotator cuff tear, Labral tear, SLAP tear, impingement,)
• Knee injuries (meniscal tears, ACL tears, PCL tears, PLC injuries)
• Loose pieces of bone or cartilage within a joint
• Discoid meniscus

Your doctor will evaluate your injury and overall health to determine if arthroscopy is the right treatment option.

Recovery following Arthroscopic Surgery

The wounds themselves are small and pain is generally considered minimal. However, the joint itself takes weeks to fully recover. You may be prescribed a specific rehabilitation program or series of activities that will help to speed recovery, improve function, and protect it for future use. Many patients are able to return to work and daily activities within a few days of arthroscopic surgery. Athletes may be able to resume physical activity in a few weeks.

Always be sure to consult with your doctor before returning to any activities that utilize the surgically-repaired joint area. Follow recovery instructions provided to ensure you achieve the best results after your procedure.