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Arthroscopic
Laser Surgery
Arthroscopy is an outpatient surgical
procedure during which a surgeon utilizes an arthroscope for inspection of a joint (the point where two bones
come together).
Arthroscopic surgery can be either diagnostic or involve the
use of various specialized tools, including arthroscopes, to access problem
areas through smaller incisions and provide
treatment with minimal trauma to healthy
tissue. Where applicable, arthroscopy is the
preferred method of treatment among surgeons today.
What is an
arthroscope?
An arthroscope is a thin pencil-like tube in which light travels through
small glass fibers to a lens which illuminates and magnifies the joint area.
A video camera is attached to the arthroscope and displays the image of the
joint on a television monitor. The large image on the monitor allows the
surgeon to more closely inspect, diagnose and treat problems in a joint.
Although arthroscopes have been in use for
many years, advancements in endoscopic technology and related instrumentation have accelerated their
applicability and use over the past decade.
What joints can be examined
and/or treated using the arthroscopy?
Even though the inside of most joints can be
examined with an arthroscope, only six joints are frequently viewed with this procedure. The knee is the
most common joint examined. Others include the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip
and wrist.
What are some of the most common
conditions found during a diagnostic arthroscopic examination?
- Torn or abnormal cartilage
- Torn ligaments
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
- Inflammation of the joint lining
- Misaligned bones (such as the kneecap)
What to expect from outpatient surgery:
A patient scheduled for arthroscopic laser surgery will arrive at the
hospital prior to the surgery to register. Routine tests are administered or
the results of tests taken earlier are reviewed.
After surgery, the patient is taken to the recovery room and then on to the
outpatient post-recovery area, and remains there until
discharge criteria are met.
At the time of discharge, the nurse will advise the patient of the surgeon's
discharge instructions, including the length of time
crutches or other special devices or precautions should be used, how long the
patient will be away from work, and when to return for a follow-up examination.
For more information about arthroscopic laser surgery or its application to
your specific situation, please call your doctor or the
Miller-Dwan Laser Center, 733-2333.
What benefits does arthroscopic
laser surgery offer the patient?
By helping to eliminate large incisions and other forms of trauma,
arthroscopy offers a wide variety of advantages when compared to the
traditional "open" procedures of the past, including:
- Less pain
- Less bleeding
- Less risk of infection
- Shorter or no hospital stay
- Faster return to activities
In fact, the advantages are so extensive that
arthroscopy is now accepted as the standard approach to many joint surgeries. There may be circumstances
where open surgery may be necessary. Enhancements to arthroscopic laser
surgery continue to evolve as a direct result of advancements in the
following areas:
- Improved video technology
and lighting systems
- Innovative and miniaturized instrumentation.
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This information is not intended as a
substitute for professional medical advice.
Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a
medical problem.
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