What is Arthroscopy?

29 Aug What is Arthroscopy?

Joint pain can hinder your ability to perform simple tasks. When other treatments fail and you are considering surgery, it can seem overwhelming. At Advanced Orthopedics & Joint Preservation, our goal is to give you the best treatment. If you need an orthopedist in Nassau County, get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help.  

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is derived from the Greek terms “arthro”, or joint, and “skopein”, or to look. Therefore, this procedure uses a method for orthopedic surgeons to examine your joints. This advanced method does not require them to make a large incision; an arthroscope is attached to a mini television camera so they can look at ligaments, tendons, and other surrounding areas to your joints. 

Who Qualifies for Arthroscopy?

Regular surgery or x-rays may not properly detect and diagnose joint injuries. Below are listed some symptoms that would require for arthroscopy to be performed with our orthopedist in Nassau County: 

• Inflammation
• Acute or chronic injury
  • Shoulder
  • Knee
  • Wrist
  • Arthritis

Our orthopedist in Nassau County may combine arthroscopy with standard surgery. Below are some of the procedures of which it can be combined:

• Rotator cuff surgery
• Release of carpal tunnel
• Repair of torn ligaments
• Removal of loose bone or cartilage

What Happens During an Arthroscopy?

An arthroscope is used to examine six joints: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Depending on your joint condition, you may be given either a general, local, or spinal anesthetic. Your surgeon will make a small incision for the arthroscope, and any other incisions as necessary.

As a technologically-advanced procedure, any other incisions your doctor may make are used for necessary instruments. For example, miniature scissors are used to correct a torn meniscus.      

What is the Recovery Like?

Most patients need little to no pain medications following the procedure. While the incision in your skin will take a couple of days to heal, your joints will need a couple of weeks to properly perform again. Since conditions vary, so does the recovery process. Most people return to work and regular activities within several days and more strenuous activities after several weeks.

Request an Appointment

Don’t wait any longer to relieve your joint pain. With an orthopedist in Nassau County, solutions are available. Make an appointment with us today!