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A Guide To Arthroscopy

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Arthroscopic Surgery is a procedure that allows surgeons to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.  The procedure, also called an Arthroscopy, requires only small incisions and is guided by a miniature viewing instrument or scope.  Before arthroscopy existed, surgeons made large incisions that affected the surrounding joint structures and tissues.  They had to open the joint to view it and perform surgery.  The traditional surgery method carries a higher risk of infection and requires a longer time for recovery.  In contrast, arthroscopy is less invasive.  It has a decreased risk of infection and shorter recovery period.  Today, arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures.  

Read more about A Guide To Arthroscopy

  • Introduction
  • Treatment
  • Introduction
  • Treatment

Introduction

Arthroscopic Surgery is a procedure that allows surgeons to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.  The procedure, also called an Arthroscopy, requires only small incisions and is guided by a miniature viewing instrument or scope.  Before arthroscopy existed, surgeons made large incisions that affected the surrounding joint structures and tissues.  They had to open the joint to view it and perform surgery.  The traditional surgery method carries a higher risk of infection and requires a longer time for recovery.  In contrast, arthroscopy is less invasive.  It has a decreased risk of infection and shorter recovery period.  Today, arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures.  

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Treatment

Arthroscopic Surgery uses an arthroscope, which is a very small surgical instrument; about the size of a pencil.  An arthroscope contains a lens and lighting system that allows a surgeon to view inside a joint. The surgeon only needs to make small incisions and the joint does not have to be opened up fully. The arthroscope can be attached to a miniature camera.  The camera allows the surgeon to view the magnified images on a video screen or take photographs and record videotape.  
Initially, the arthroscope was designed as a diagnostic tool for planning traditional open joint surgeries.  A surgeon uses an arthroscope to diagnose joint conditions when physical examinations or imaging scans are not conclusive.  The diagnostic accuracy of arthroscopy is highly precise.  As the technology developed, special surgical instruments were created to use with the arthroscope. Now, it can be used to treat conditions as well.  Like the arthroscope, the thin surgical instruments are inserted into the joint through small incisions.  Some injuries or problems are treated with a combination of arthroscopic and open surgery. 
 
 
Conditions Treated with Arthroscopy
 
Although nearly all joints can be viewed with an arthroscope, it is used most frequently to treat six joints.  These include the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip and wrist.  Arthroscopy most commonly treats diseases and injuries that damage the bones, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles that make up a joint.
Bones are the hardest tissues in our body.  They support our body structure and meet to form joints.  Cartilage covers the ends of many of our bones. The cartilage forms a smooth surface and allows the bones to glide easily during motion.  Disease and injury can compromise the cartilage and joint structure and disrupt their functions. 
 
A condition called Chondromalacia can cause the cartilage to soften and deteriorate because of injury, disease, or “wear and tear.”  The curved cartilage in the knee joint, called a meniscus, is especially vulnerable to tears during injury.  An arthroscopic surgery can treat these conditions by shaving and smoothing out the cartilage.  It can also remove abnormal growths from bones, such as calcium deposits and bone spurs. 

Tendons are strong fibers that attach our muscles to our bones.  They are tissues that do not stretch easily and are susceptible to tears under repeated or traumatic stress.  Ligaments are strong tissues that connect our bones together and provide structural support.  The ligaments are lined with Synovial Membrane called Synovium.  The Synovium secretes a thick liquid called Synovial Fluid.  The Synovial Fluid acts as a cushion and lubricant between the joints, allowing us to perform smooth and painless motions.  Trauma and “wear and tear” from overuse can cause injury and inflammation to our tendons, ligaments, and Synovium. 
 
Tendons in the shoulder and ligaments in the knee are frequently torn or impinged from trauma and overuse.  An arthroscopy can repair tendons.  Many ligaments and tendons can be repaired arthroscopically.  Synovitis, a condition caused by an inflamed lining of a joint, can develop in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle.  Arthroscopy can treat synovitis by removing scar tissue or the inflamed synovium.  A synovial biopsy, a tissue sample for examination, can be done via arthroscopy.
 
What to Expect
 
Arthroscopic surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure.  In some cases, an overnight stay in the hospital may be needed.  You may be sedated for the surgery or receive a local or regional anesthetic to numb the area, depending on the joint or suspected problem.  Before the surgery, your surgeon will elevate your limb and apply a tourniquet, an inflatable band.  This will reduce the blood flow to your joint during the procedure.
 
Your surgeon will make one or more small incisions, about ¼” to ½” in length, near your joint.  Your surgeon will fill the joint space with a sterile saline (salt-water) solution.  Expansion of the space allows your surgeon to have a better view of your joint structures.  Your surgeon will insert the arthroscope and manipulate it to see your joint from different angles.  If you are having another surgical procedure, your surgeon may make additional small incisions and use other slender surgical instruments.  When your procedures are completed, your surgeon may inject your joint with medication to reduce pain and inflammation.  Because the incisions are so small, they will require just a few stitches
 
Your recovery time will depend on the extent of your condition and the amount of surgery that you had.  Your surgeon will let you know what to expect.  Your surgeon may restrict your activity for a short period of time following your surgery.  It is common for people to return to work or school within a few days.  In some cases, rehabilitation is recommended to mobilize and strengthen the joint.  It usually takes a joint several weeks to fully recover.
 
Benefits of Arthroscopy
 
An arthroscopy can be a short procedure.  In some cases, it may only take minutes for the actual surgery.  Because it is often a shorter procedure, a smaller amount of anesthesia is required and individuals need to be sedated for shorter amounts of time than with open joint surgery.  Most people have the procedure as an outpatient and return to their homes in just a few hours.
 
Overall, an arthroscopy requires a shorter length of time for recovery than open joint surgery.  It also has a reduced risk of infection and causes less pain because only small incisions are used and less surrounding tissue is affected or exposed.

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This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

The iHealthSpot patient education library was written collaboratively by the iHealthSpot editorial team which includes Senior Medical Authors Dr. Mary Car-Blanchard, OTD/OTR/L and Valerie K. Clark, and the following editorial advisors: Steve Meadows, MD, Ernie F. Soto, DDS, Ronald J. Glatzer, MD, Jonathan Rosenberg, MD, Christopher M. Nolte, MD, David Applebaum, MD, Jonathan M. Tarrash, MD, and Paula Soto, RN/BSN. This content complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information. The library commenced development on September 1, 2005 with the latest update/addition on February 16, 2022. For information on iHealthSpot’s other services including medical website design, visit www.iHealthSpot.com.

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Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. After the surgery, while the stitches were still in and the brace still in place, I had more flexibility in my fingers than I had before the surgery. I am six weeks out from the surgery and I continue to progress. I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

Nancy L.

via md.com

Seeing Dr. Reznick and being treated by her is like going to heaven with millions of angels. She can not only treat your hand, she treats the soul. She is the best!!!

Les D.

via healthgrades.com

Amazing visit. I can't remember the last time I spent quality time with a doctor. She explained everything to me on why I was having trigger finger issues. I have been dealing with this for some time. She nailed it on the first visit ‘cause she talks to you and listens! If you need a hand doctor you will be happy she is the one.

Anonymous

via healthgrades.com

Dr. Reznick is one of the most professional, sensitive and caring physicians I have visited. She is a teacher--patient and informative, and she made sure I understood just exactly what was necessary for my particular problems. She took care of both my left and right carpal tunnel surgeries, and I couldn't have asked for a better recovery. Everything went just as planned. She is my ‘go to’ hand doctor!

Anonymous

healthgrades.com

When I was having problems with my wrist, she guided me through every step, and always made sure I was comfortable with what she was doing. Very straightforward and trustworthy. I never doubted what she was doing and she always wants to try every technique before doing surgery to try to make you better.

Shannon C.

healthgrades.com

I recently rode 900 miles on a vibrating Harley-Davidson and did not have a single tingle in either of my hands. You do great work. Thanks for helping me.

Ed G.

Just wanted to let you know again how much I appreciated your care, expertise and skill in conducting the surgery on my hand. A job well done. Thank you.

Randall A.

My surgery went very well. My banjo and I thank you.

Kevin M.

Dr. Lisa Reznick has performed carpal tunnel surgery on both hands and has removed my basal joint from my right hand. All of my surgeries have been successful, and I now have complete use of both hands and my right thumb, which I credit to a great surgeon, good therapy, and a genuine concern for patients.

Robert

My hand is in perfect working order because of your expertise. I appreciate your genuine concern for my healing. Through the myriad of maladies my husband experienced, I became acquainted with many doctors. None even approached your level of patient care.

Trudy R.

Dr. Reznick performed surgery on my hand for ‘trigger finger’ and did a wonderful job. I’ll definitely user her again if the need ever presents itself again.

Don L.

Dr. Reznick is very to the point and no nonsense. She tells you what options there are in your treatment and advises you accordingly. I had hand surgery four years ago and it was a complete success. I actually went back to work one week early. I have recommended Dr. Reznick to many friends and associates. Frankly, I won’t go to anyone else when it comes to muscles or bones. I have complete faith in her.

J. Schully

via vitals.com
Testimonials

Dr. Reznick did major surgery on my right hand (carpal tunnel and 3 trigger fingers). Prior to the surgery, I could not hold a pen or write my name legibly. I was in constant pain. [Now] I have more functionality and strength in my hand than I have had in the last year. I can't even see the scars on my hand. Dr. Reznick not only did a spectacular job of restoring the use of my hand, but she is a very likable person. Her staff is friendly and professional. I cannot say enough good things about this experience!

~ Nancy L. via md.com

Lisa R. Reznick MD, PA

Board Certified Orthopedic and Hand Surgeon

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4100 Fairway Court, Suite 120
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In Carrollton, TX, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lisa Reznick offers conservative treatment options for all types of general orthopedic issues, while specializing in surgeries of the hand, wrist, and elbow.