All about Arthroscopy and its treatment
Overview
Arthroscopy is a medical term to denote the surgical treatment that helps diagnose and remedy problems within a joint. Many people experience inflammation of joints caused by injury or damage that can affect mobility. Patients undergo arthroscopy to find a solution to joint problems such as these.
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical treatment that employs a camera to view and investigate a joint rather than surgically opening it. This helps orthopedic specialists in the diagnosis, treatment, and repair of many several conditions and diseases that may afflict joints. If you are experiencing stiffness, or pain in the ankle, or shoulder, or knee, arthroscopic surgery could be a good option.
Arthroscopic surgery became popular after well-known athletes used this method as a treatment for their sports injuries. For instance, this procedure helped treat runners’ knees in marathoners or rotator cuff injuries in football players. Arthroscopy is today benefiting not just athletes and sports enthusiasts but also non-athletes.
Arthroscopy is not a major surgery needing hospital admission. Doctors usually can perform this procedure in an outpatient clinic. According to statistics, nearly 80% of orthopedic surgeons use Arthroscopy on patients. This is because arthroscopy reduces the rehabilitation period and the procedure is less complicated compared to open surgery.
An arthroscope is inserted inside the joint after making many small cuts. The instrument will assess the extent of damage to the joint. This procedure also helps specialists repair injuries inside the affected areas.
Laser-assisted arthroscopy has also gained ground for improving the techniques used in arthroscopy. Laser systems employ small yet powerful instruments that are perfectly suited for arthroscopic surgery. The advantage that laser offers has inspired the development of many research centers to explore the applicability of laser systems in arthroscopy.
The medical conditions that arthroscopy can treat are :
- Swollen lining inside joints
- Torn or damaged cartilage
- Bone fragments that are loose
- Ligament tear
- Scarring inside joints
Do you need Arthroscopy? Know the symptoms
The following symptoms may be indicative of the need for arthroscopy. Know the symptoms, which may assist in the diagnosis and treatment of the injury. Doctors resort to arthroscopy if imaging studies and X-rays have not been able to provide answers to some diagnostic queries. Some of the symptoms that may necessitate arthroscopy are :
- Ankle pain
- Limited range of motion
- Shoulder pain
- The clicking sound of the joint
- Feeling weaker or instable
- Stiffness in joints
- Knee pain
- Inflammation of joints
- Symptoms that do not find relief with RICE((Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation) treatment
- No positive response to any physiotherapy
What are the preparations before Arthroscopy?
Your doctor should be aware of your medical history and the medications you are taking. If you take vitamins and supplements, your orthopedic surgeon should know about t.
- It is good to wear loose and comfortable clothing before the surgery. Further, leave all the valuables and jewelry to your person behind.
- If the surgery is scheduled in the morning, make sure not to consume any solids or liquids at least 12 hours prior to surgery.
- You may not be able to drive after the procedure so it is good to have someone accompanying you.
How do doctors perform conventional Arthroscopy?
Your doctor is most likely to conduct arthroscopic surgery in an operating room either at the hospital or at the outpatient clinic.
The specialist may administer either general anesthesia or a spinal one depending upon the joint that needs surgery. They may also decide to numb the area locally before the surgery.
The surgeon makes a small cut, the size of a buttonhole to insert thin instruments. Doctors use the arthroscope, which has a camera and a light to help the specialist view the interior of the joint. The image of the joint is captured by the camera and projected on the screen. Sterile fluid is filled inside the joint to expand it and make it easier for viewing.
The view will help orthopedic surgeons decide and diagnose the problem. They will also decide about the type of surgery needed. The surgeon will perform the surgery if needed by using special tools through small incisions. Once the treatment is finished, the surgeon removes the arthroscope and any other attachments. The wound is either stitched or closed with special tape or stitches.
What are some of the risks and complications of arthroscopy?
Only about 1 out of 100 cases that underwent arthroscopy actually suffer complications. Complications after arthroscopy are not common.
Some of the risks are the possibility of infection, nerves and blood vessels damage, inflammation, abnormal bleeding, and blood clots.
It is important to consult your specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms after arthroscopy.
- Foul-smelling liquid oozing from the wound
- Extreme inflammation
- Unbearable pain
- Tingling or numbness
- Fever
Post op care
- Your specialist is likely to prescribe painkillers to reduce the pain as well as aspirin to protect against blood clots
- Doctors advise the application of ice 24 hours after surgery to bring down the inflammation. For those that have undergone knee arthroscopy, keeping the leg in an elevated position lowers pain
- It is important not to expose the wound to water. Cover the area with a plastic sheet at the time of the shower
- Avoid alcohol intake in the recovery phase
- In the recovery period, you may need a sling, crutches, or splint for support
- The area in the body where the arthroscopy device was inserted, will show some puncture marks. The surgeon removes the bandages a day after the surgery and covers the incisions with small strips of bandages. Generally, the doctor removes stitches (that do not dissolve) after about 2 weeks
- You can resume work or your regular occupation after a few days of surgery, it is important not to strain and overexert during the recovery period.
- Rehabilitation or specific exercises can help speed your recovery. Your doctor will tell you which ones are safe to do.
A diet that is high in protein but low in carbohydrate and fat combined with a sizeable serving of fruits and vegetables is best to promote nutrition and healing post arthroscopy. Smoking is not good at this time, and it is best to quit the habit.
In most cases, it will be possible for patients to get back to their work in a few days after the surgery. You may need to wait at least a month before resuming any strenuous activity.
Doctors always provide a detailed arthroscopy report explaining the procedure performed and the status at the time of writing the report. Your surgeon is also equipped to monitor the progress during follow-up visits and address concerns as well as issues if any.
Therapeutic exercise has a significant part in helping you recover well. A proper physical therapy program may enhance the result.
Complete joint recovery takes many weeks for most patients, and to getting fully normal may take several months.
Joint problems are quite common among the elderly. Broken bone, dislocation, and certain conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can also cause joint problems. Some of the joints that are mainly affected include the elbow, hip, knee, and shoulder. Whatever the cause, having a problem with your joints can be a very uncomfortable experience, especially due to the inflammation and pain that often accompanies such a condition. Arthroscopy allows your doctor to examine, diagnose and treat your joint problems. Goficure boasts of some of the most experienced and skilled surgeons in administering arthroscopy treatment in Bangalore. We usually recommended laser-assisted arthroscopic surgery for your joint problems because the procedure is less invasive in comparison with conventional surgery. Laser-assisted arthroscopic surgery is also bloodless, the risk for infection is minimal, and the recovery time is greatly reduced.
Benefits of Laser-assisted Arthroscopic Surgery in Bangalore
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Minimal complications
- Low cost
- Full recovery post-surgery
Why goficure is the best place to get arthroscopic treatment in Bangalore?
At goficure, we have assembled together one of the most qualified and experienced teams of medical experts in Bangalore to help with your joint problems. We take care of everything so that you can stop worrying about the procedure and focus on regaining your health back. Goficure offers one of the most highly discounted consultation packages in Bangalore. Once the correct diagnosis has been done, we will make arrangements with specialty hospitals in Bangalore where you will undergo the surgery. We will make arrangements to have you picked from home, ensure the surgery has gone on successfully and drive you back home. We will also help to get your insurance claimed, in addition to also assisting with any other paperwork that is needed. We also offer our clients post-op care and guidance. This includes among others, working with leading nutritionists in Bangalore who will develop personalized diet plans to ensure your quick recovery.
Exclusive features you get with goficure
1. Dedicated Medi-Pal
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to you. Your Medi-Pal will be your one point contact throughout the treatment and post-op period. They will always be available for you
2. Quick doctor’s appointments
After understanding your concerns, your Medi-Pal will schedule your consultation with a specialist doctor. Your doctor will carry out necessary tests and advise the course of treatment
3. Hassle-free treatment
If you opt to get the surgery done, goficure will take care of it completely. Right from booking your surgery, claiming your insurance to being with you throughout the procedure, your Medi-Pal will do it all
4. Post-op recovery support
Your Medi-Pal would ensure quick recovery. This includes booking your follow up consultations and helping you with doctor-recommended steps for diet & exercise
Guarantees
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Why Goficure?
Specialist doctors
Our doctors are vetted for their experience and skills. Rest assured, you are in safe hands. The best treatment for your condition is delivered all the time
Medi-Pal assistance
A dedicated Medi-Pal is assigned to take care of the entire process. This includes booking your appointments, scheduling the surgery, handling your documentation including claiming insurance, discharge, and post-op recovery
Affordability
Goficure delivers high-quality treatment to you at affordable prices. Superior treatment and best quality of service is assured while keeping costs reasonable
Post procedure care and follow-ups
Our engagement doesn't end after your surgery. It continue until you go back to your normal life. Free diet and exercise consultations during your recovery phase are offered to ensure a quick recovery
Comparison
With so many options, are you wondering what the right choice for your condition is? While you can opt for either an open surgery or a laser surgery, numerous studies have shown that laser surgeries are far more effective. Be it the duration of the procedure, post-operative pain or recovery time, laser surgeries always outrank open surgeries and are therefore, a better choice. Here is a quick comparison that will help you decide your course of action.
What you don’t undergo with goficure
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2. Lack of personalized attention
3. Excessive billing/hidden charges
4. Running around for your treatment
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