Arthroscopy involves administering an endoscope through the damaged joint. This device has a light source and camera attached to it. This camera produces images of other tissues located alongside the damaged area. These images are viewed in a magnified form on a video monitor. Thus, the surgeon can view the entire internal area under operation without making any large incision on your body.
The patient under arthroscopic treatment is induced with local anesthesias. This results in a numbing effect on the area; when you remain completely conscious. Next, an inflatable band is tied around the area so as to restrict blood flow through your troubling joint.
An incision of 0.6cm(approx) is made near the joint. Saline solution is then used to flush the joint prior to arthroscope insertion. Then the device is inserted that clearly shows internal views of area to be operated.
Surgeons then do the needful to treat damaged joints. If further incisions are required to complete the process, small incisions are also made. Different instruments are used through these new cuts so as to deliver complete surgical treatment. After the process, the saline solution is again used to flush the operated area and then stitches are made to close all incisions.
Arthroscopic surgical treatments can be carried out for all types of joints. However, presently they are being used for knee, hip, shoulder, elbow, ankle treatment only. They are less painful and offer quicker recovery. Patients who undergo severe knee arthroscopy and hip arthroscopy are required to use crutches for few days after operation.
