Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows an orthopaedic surgeon to see directly into the joint. This procedure is done in a hospital operating room and does require anesthesia.
An instrument called an arthroscope is used to look into the joint. This is a very thin tube with a light on the end which is connected to a closed circuit television. By looking at the inside of the joint, the surgeon can find out what may be causing the problem with the involved joint. He/she can examine the joint and find out what kind of arthritis and how much damage has occurred in the joint itself.
While the scope is in place, procedures can be performed to help relieve the symptoms you may be having. Sometimes it is necessary to do such procedures as biopsy, cutting away of loose pieces of tissue and repairing torn cartilage or smoothing a joint where the surface has become rough. Other, more extensive surgery such as reconstruction of ligaments and synovectomy (removal of diseased synovium), may be performed through a scope.
There are advantages to this type of surgery:
- It does not require as much anesthesia
- Less cutting
- Quicker recovery
- Less discomfort