Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure performed by Orthopaedic Surgeons to look inside the joint.The procedure is carried out under General or Regional Anaesthesia. The Arthroscope (telescope) is introduced into the joint through a small puncture wound. Images are sent from the arthroscope to a television screen so that the surgeon is able to see the joint.Firstly, a detailed examination of the joint is performed, the problem identified and thereafter appropriate surgical treatment is carried out.
Arthroscopic surgery has revolutionised the diagnosis and management of joint problems avoiding complicated surgeries and longer recovery. In fact, except joint replacement and major intra-articular fractures, all other problems involving the hip, knee, ankle, shoulder, elbow and wrist joint can be treated with arthroscopic surgery.

What conditions are treated with arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic examination of joints is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:

• Inflammation: Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle.
• Acute or chronic injury: Injuries to the shoulder, knee and wrist joint, such as cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint.
• Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that becomes logged within the joint.