Arthroscopy is a dual-purpose procedure that facilitates accurate diagnosis and treatment of joint problems. This procedure is also minimally invasive and requires a minimal recovery period, meaning you can embark on your activities within no time. Arthroscopy at Expert Pain may be what you need to determine the cause of your joint pain and a solution to it.
What happens during arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a state-of-art diagnostic and treatment procedure for joint disorders. This approach allows your doctor to view the inner parts of your joints without creating a large incision. Your experience during arthroscopy depends on the target joint and the cause of your joint discomfort. Your doctor administers local anesthesia to block sensation during the procedure and ensure you are relaxed throughout the procedure.
You may have to lie on your side or back to provide your doctor with a clear view of your joint. The team then places your joint in a positioning device and uses a tourniquet to minimize and enhance visibility. They create a tiny incision to accommodate the viewing device. Your provider may also make additional incisions around the affected joint to allow the insertion of surgical tools to grind, cut, and suction to alleviate your joint pain.
What should you expect during recovery?
After arthroscopy, the team may take you to a recovery room for rest and monitoring to ensure that the procedure succeeds. You may feel some mild pain on the treatment site after your procedure. Your provider may prescribe some painkillers and recommend exercise to alleviate your pain and avoid blood clots.
You may also need to press ice on the joint to reduce swelling or elevate it to relieve pain. During your recovery, your doctor may recommend a splint, sling, or crutches to prevent constant movement of the joint and accelerate healing. Arthroscopic surgery usually causes minimal stiffness and joint pain, making it a more desirable approach than open surgery.
A day after your surgery, you are free to replace the bandages with small strips to prevent the incisions from getting infected. It is paramount to adopt good hygiene and ensure that the treatment site is always dry as your wounds heal. There are rarely any complications during arthroscopy but inform your doctor immediately if you experience fever, numbness, severe swelling, or pain that deteriorates over time.
When should you consider arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy is an indisputable method of diagnosing several ankle and foot disorders because the miniature camera provides a clear view of the internal parts of your foot and ankle. This cutting-edge procedure allows your provider to detect the trigger of your pain and discomfort and develop a comprehensive care plan tailored to meet your needs.
Depending on the cause of your frustrating symptoms, the specialists may utilize delicate surgical instruments to treat the issue immediately. The team offers arthroscopy for disorders like arthritis, chronic joint infections, posterior or anterior ankle impingement, bone fractures, loose bone fragments, cartilage, or osteochondral lesions. Arthroscopy is also an excellent treatment procedure for sports injuries and degenerative disorders.
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