Why is this procedure done?
Arthroscopy is a type of surgery to check for and treat joint problems. A joint is a part of the body where two bones meet. The doctor puts a small tube with a tiny camera on the end into the joint. This is called an arthroscope. The doctor uses it to see pictures of the joint inside your body. This helps your doctor to find out what the problem is in the joint. Then, the doctor can pass tiny instruments into the joint to fix the problem. It is often done in the knee and shoulder. It may also be done of the hip, ankle, elbow, or wrist. It is done to: ‚
- Find an injury or problem inside a joint
- Repair tendons and ligaments in your joint
- Take out bone and cartilage fragments
- Remove the joint lining that may be swollen or inflamed
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What will the results be?
Arthroscopy may help find the cause of your joint problem. The problem may be treated as well. You may have less pain and scarring after surgery. You may also have to spend less time in the hospital. ‚
What happens before the procedure?
Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚
- All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
- Any bleeding problems. Be sure to tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs that may cause bleeding. Some of these are Coumadin ‚ ®, ibuprofen, Aleve ‚ ® (naproxen), or aspirin. Certain vitamins and herbs, such as garlic and fish oil, may also add to the risk for bleeding. You may need to stop these drugs as well. Talk to your doctor about them.
- When you need to stop eating or drinking before your procedure
Your doctor will do an exam and may order: ‚
You will not be allowed to drive right away after the procedure. Ask a family member or a friend to drive you home. ‚
What happens during the procedure?
- Once you are in the operating room, the staff will put an I.V. in your arm to give you fluids and drugs. You will be given a drug to make you sleepy. It will also help you stay pain free during the surgery. Sometimes, the doctor will give you a special drug to make you numb for the surgery.
- The area on the skin is cleaned. A pressure band may be used to help control blood flow.
- Your doctor will make a cut on the skin along your joint area. A small camera will be put through your skin to see inside the joint. This will let your doctor look for the joint problem. The pictures of your joints will be seen on a video monitor.
- Special tools will also be used. Your doctors will use the pictures as a guide to move the tool around. The tissues within your joint will be removed or repaired. When the operation is done, the tools will be removed.
- Your doctor will close your cut with stitches or staples and cover it with clean bandages.
- The procedure may take 1 hour or more.
What happens after the procedure?
- You will go to the Recovery Room and the staff will watch you closely. Your doctor may give you drugs for pain.
- You may have cast, brace, or splint on the area where the surgery was done.
- You may need to use crutches if the surgery was done on the leg. The staff will teach you how to use them.
- You can go home after the procedure.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain and swelling
- Prevent infection
- Prevent blood clots
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Swelling
- Blood clots
- Nerve and blood vessel injury
- Joint stiffness
- Ongoing pain
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons ‚
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00109 ‚
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Arthroscopy ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/arthroscopy/pages/introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚