Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that Texas Orthopedic's surgeons use frequently to visualize, diagnose and treat problems inside a joint. With the use of small poke hole incisions called portals, orthopedic surgeons can place a camera, which is typically 4 mm in size, into joints, most commonly the knee and shoulder. With the use of fiber optic cables and cameras, excellent visualization can be obtained to not only diagnose pathology but perform operative techniques. These operative techniques include meniscal debridements, or clean-up type operations, ligament reconstructions, cartilage repair and trimming, as well as other operative procedures. Almost all joints can be visualized using arthroscopic techniques. This is expanding both the knowledge and therapeutic ability within joints such as the ankle and hip, and small joints of the foot, wrist, elbow and hand.

Most often, these techniques are used in an outpatient setting, meaning the patient has surgery and goes home. This would depend on multiple factors, including the patient's overall health, the type of procedure performed, anesthetic requirements, as well as pain management.

Arthroscopic techniques vary depending on the joint and the procedure being performed. Arthroscopy requires an anesthetic, most often a general anesthetic. The surgery can be as short as 15 to 20 minutes or last multiple hours. The expected recovery is faster with arthroscopic surgery over open surgery in most cases, given the smaller surgical dissection. This is also dependent on type of operative procedure performed.

The surgeon performing arthroscopy utilizes a video camera and light soure for excellent visualization within the joint. With advancing technology, more and more complex operative procedures can be performed through smaller incisions using the arthroscope. This has improved outcomes in advanced surgical techniques, increased the indications for surgery, and expanded the ability to repair more and more complex injuries.

At Texas Orthopedics Surgery Center, more than 5,000 arthroscopies have been performed. The techniques for anesthesia, the operative procedure, recovery and rehabilitation are well defined.

Complications from arthroscopic surgery, like all surgeries, are present, however, have been minimized through repetition and use of standard techniques.

The future will continue to show improvements in techniques of arthroscopy. The ability to look deeper into joints, obtaining more information with minimal invasion or tissue damage will continue to progress. As more surgical techniques evolve, they can be performed through arthroscopic techniques.

Click here for more information about knee arthroscopic surgery from the American Academy of Orthopaedic surgeons.