Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic Surgery is minimally invasive surgery used for  knees, hips and shoulders.

The process:

• A fiber-optic instrument is used to study the inside of your joint
• An incision about the size of a buttonhole is made
• A sterile sodium chloride solution is injected to dilate the joint 
• The arthroscope (about the size of a pencil) is inserted into the joint
• The lens and lighting system of the arthroscope enable the surgeon to see the structures of your joint clearly as transmitted to a miniature TV camera attached to the end of the arthroscope  
• Using irrigation and suction, blood and debris are removed prior to examining the joint
• Viewing the joint on the TV screen, the surgeon then determines the amount or type of injury and what he needs to do in order to relieve your problem
• Floating bits of cartilage are removed
• Minor tears and any other disorders are dealt with
• The arthroscope is removed,
he arthroscope is removed, the joint irrigated and the buttonhole-size incision is stitched up

Often arthroscopy is performed on an out-patient basis,  so you don’t have to stay in the hospital.  You can recuperate at home.