arthroscopy

Arthroscopy services refer to a medical procedure and related healthcare services that involve the use of arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique for diagnosing and treating joint-related conditions. Arthroscopy is commonly used to examine and address issues in various joints, with a focus on the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, and hip joints. Here’s an overview of arthroscopy services:

1. Diagnostic Arthroscopy : Arthroscopy is used as a diagnostic tool to visualize the inside of a joint. A small camera (arthroscope) is inserted through a small incision to examine the joint’s structures, including ligaments, cartilage, and synovium. This helps in identifying conditions like torn ligaments, damaged cartilage, and inflammation.

2. Therapeutic Arthroscopy : Arthroscopy is often used for minimally invasive therapeutic procedures to address joint conditions. This can include:

• Cartilage Repair: Procedures to treat damaged or torn cartilage, such as microfracture, cartilage transplantation, or debridement.
• Ligament Repair: Surgery to repair or reconstruct damaged ligaments, especially in the case of ACL or PCL tears in the knee.
• Synovectomy: Removal of inflamed or hypertrophic synovium, common in cases of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Removal of Loose Bodies: Extraction of loose fragments (e.g., bone or cartilage) that cause pain and limited joint mobility.
• Rotator Cuff Repair: Arthroscopic surgery to repair tears in the rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder.

3. Joint Surgeries : Arthroscopy is used for various joint surgeries, including:

• Knee Surgery: Meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, patella realignment, and more.
• Shoulder Surgery: Rotator cuff repair, labral repair, and removal of bone spurs.
• Hip Surgery: Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears.
• Ankle and Wrist Surgery: Procedures to address conditions like ligament injuries and impingement.

4. Less Invasive and Faster Recovery : Arthroscopy is preferred for its minimally invasive nature, leading to smaller incisions, less tissue damage, reduced pain, and quicker recovery compared to traditional open surgery.

5. Outpatient Procedure : Many arthroscopic surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients can return home on the same day of the procedure.

6. Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy : Following arthroscopy, rehabilitation and physical therapy are often part of the treatment plan to help patients regain joint function and strength.

Arthroscopy services are typically provided by orthopedic surgeons who specialize in joint conditions and minimally invasive procedures. Patients may be referred for arthroscopy if they are experiencing joint pain, limited mobility, or have a known joint condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.