Arthroscopy

Description arthroscopy

Arthroscopy – procedure, conducted to visually explore joint. In most cases it is carried out on large joints, such as the knee or shoulder. With the city used a special tool called arthroscope, which looks like a long tube with a miniature camera on the end. With arthroscope may also be operated on a joint with other surgical instruments.

Reasons for arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is used for search, diagnose and treat problems in the joint. This procedure is commonly performed for the following reasons:

• To diagnose an injury or disease in the joint;
• To remove bone or cartilage;
• To repair damaged tendons or ligaments.

Possible complications of arthroscopy

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. If you plan to arthroscopy, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Infection;
• Blood clots;
• Swelling or bleeding;
• Damage to blood vessels, nerves and other tissues;
• The need to carry out another surgery or more extensive surgery;

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications include:

• Existing heart or lung disease;
• Obesity;
• Recent or chronic illness;
• Diabetes;
• Blood clotting;
• Smoking.

How is arthroscopy?

Preparation for the procedure

• They may be assigned or conducted by Dr. following procedures:
  • Medical checkup;
  • Roentgen – test, that uses radiation to produce pictures of the joint;
  • MRT – test, which uses a magnetic field, to take pictures inside the joint;
• It is necessary to arrange the delivery to the procedure and back home;
• In the evening before the operation and then do not eat or drink;
• In the morning before the procedure you may be asked to use a special soap.

Anesthesia

The type of anesthesia will depend on joint, which examines Dr.. You can use the following types of anesthesia:

• General anesthesia – you sleep;
• Local anesthesia – It will numb the area of ​​arthroscopy;
• Spinalynaya anesthesia – lower body will be numb by administering an anesthetic in the back.

Arthroscopic Procedure

The doctor will make tiny incisions in the skin along the joint. It is inserted through an incision arthroscope. Image with the arthroscope will show up on the screen, and the doctor can see the inside of a joint. He will be guided by the image for introducing other instruments, which allow to cut and restore joint tissue, eg:

• Some meniscal tears (Cartilage) the knee can be reduced by removing some parts of cartilage;
• Carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist may be cured by surgery by loosening the ligaments, which exert pressure on the nerves.

After the inspection and operation arthroscope is removed. The skin may be closed with stitches or surgical staples. On sections bandage. Fluid or tissue, that have been removed can be sent to a lab for examination.

How long will arthroscopy?

Typically, less than one hour, but can last longer, If additional surgery is performed.

Will it hurt?

Most patients do not feel any pain during the procedure. After the procedure used painkillers, to reduce pain and discomfort.

Care after arthroscopy

The dressing can sometimes be removed by the following morning. When you return home, Follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• You can put the ice in the first 24-48 hours after surgery, to reduce the swelling and pain;
• When you're lying on the bed, lift the part of your body, in which the operation was carried out;
• Keep the incision dry. Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• You can be taught how to use crutches or a cane for several days after arthroscopy, if the surgery was done on a joint foot;
• With a little pain, take only non-aspirin medication;
• If you have stitches or staples, the doctor will remove them for 7-10 days;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Recovery takes joint 4-6 weeks. You, probably, can go back to work or resume daily activities within a few days after arthroscopy. Moderate physical activity and rehabilitation program to help accelerate the recovery and operation of joint.

Athletes often return to sports for several weeks.

Restoration of anterior cruciate ligament rupture (so-called razryv PKS) using Arthroscopy may require 4-6 months or more to restore, and the use of specialized rehabilitation programs.

Contact your doctor after arthroscopy

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, strong pain, bleeding or discharge from the incision site;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, that do not pass after taking the prescribed medicines, and persist for more than two days after discharge from the hospital;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Joint pain, fatigue, constraint, rash or other painful symptoms;
• Edema, pricking, pain or numbness in the feet and toes, not going after lifting the knee or, respectively, arm above heart level for one hour;
• Foreign allocation.