Arthroscopy involves looking into and repairing a joint in the body using an arthroscope, which is a thin device with a camera functionality at the end. The camera captures real-time images beamed onto a computer screen that the physician views right there during the operation.
Because arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, patients can usually go home later that day. Thousands of Americans have outpatient arthroscopic surgery each year to treat issues in their knee, hip, shoulder, or other joint.
Some examples of conditions that can be treated via arthroscopic surgery include ligament tears, rotator cuff tears, ACL injuries, and arthritis. With arthroscopy, athletes can get back in the game sooner rather than later. Let’s talk about some of the main benefits of arthroscopic surgery.
What Makes Arthroscopy Different?
An orthopedic surgeon who specializes in arthroscopic surgery has the training and expertise to make sure you reap the benefits of this highly advanced surgery, which include the following:
Minimally Invasive Procedure
Arthroscopy enables surgeons to perform surgeries in a minimally invasive manner rather than with large cuts through the skin. Because the arthroscopic tools are miniature, a big surgical wound is not necessary.
Before the advent of arthroscopic surgery, traditional open surgeries required the surgeon to make large incisions. This meant that the surgery took longer and required a longer hospital stay.
Scarring is also minimal with arthroscopic surgeries. Arthroscopy requires only the smallest of cuts and therefore tiny scars – and less blood loss during the operation.
High Precision
The arthroscopic tube has a fiber-optic camera function at the end, which allows the doctor direct access and viewability inside the joint. This enables the surgeon to perform highly precise surgery of the delicate structures of a joint.
Whereas the doctor cannot see details as vividly in traditional open surgery, the camera at the end of an arthroscope provides the surgeon with a wealth of immediate information. Surgeons who perform arthroscopic surgery therefore have fewer instances where the surrounding tissues are inadvertently disturbed during the procedure.
Fewer Risks
A lot can go wrong in traditional open surgery due to the large incisions and potentially massive bleeding. Plus, the longer the incision remains open during surgery, the greater the risk for infection.
Patients also report less pain after arthroscopic surgery. And since the surgery can be completed quickly, there is less chance of errors and issues.
Faster Recovery
Patients who undergo arthroscopic surgery recover more quickly, because the incision wounds are so small. In fact, because it is an outpatient procedure, you can go home on the same day of the surgery. You can, therefore, start recovery practically right away in the comfort of your own home.
Arthroscopic Surgery in Austin, Texas
At All-Star Orthopedics of Austin, our orthopedic surgeons have extensive training and experience in performing arthroscopic surgeries for the purpose of joint reconstruction and pain relief treatment. Our goal is to restore your mobility so you can live the life you love. We’ll see to it that you receive the individualized care you deserve.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, please call All-Star Orthopedics of Austin today at (512) 346-4933 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you get back to feeling great again!
