Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that surgeons use to diagnose and treat problems in joints. Through arthroscopy, your surgeon can look at the inner structures of a joint without having to open up the entire area. Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to make a diagnosis and carry out repairs and treatments. It uses cutting-edge and minimally invasive techniques to fix issues within the joint with the least amount of disturbance to nearby healthy tissue as possible.
Arthroscopic procedures are carried out using miniature surgical tools and a tiny camera connected to a monitor that the surgeon has access to during surgery. The surgeon will make tiny incisions through which the camera will get access to the inside of the joint. The surgeon will see the joint and perform the surgery using the miniature tools – all through the tiny incisions.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
There are many benefits to arthroscopic surgery. First, arthroscopic procedures involve less tissue trauma, so there is less damage to the body in the process of surgery. This translates as less pain and recovery time for the patient. Second, arthroscopic surgery is safer than traditional surgery because less of the inside of the joint is exposed. There is less risk of infection and post-surgery complications. Finally, because arthroscopic surgery requires tiny incisions, there are less stitches involved as well as less noticeable scars as remnants of the surgery.
What Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Can Treat
One of the most common places to get arthroscopy surgery is in the knee. Surgeons can use arthroscopic surgery to do the following:
- Fix or trim damaged cartilage
- Reconstruct torn ligaments
- Remove loose bone fragments after a fracture
- Remove damaged/inflamed tissue
- Treat infections
- Diagnose and treat injuries to the kneecap
Most patients who get knee arthroscopic surgery can begin to perform low-impact activities sooner than patients who undergo traditional knee surgery. The typical recovery period from arthroscopic surgery is anywhere between six to eight weeks, depending on the issue being addressed through the procedure.
However, arthroscopic knee surgery is not for everyone. For severe damage to the knee, arthroscopy may not be an appropriate solution. Speak with an orthopedic surgeon about whether an arthroscopic surgery is right for you.
Top Orthopedic Practice for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery in North Dakota
The Bone & Joint Center is the largest orthopaedic practice in North Dakota. Our surgeons and therapists can diagnose and treat any orthopedic issue you may be experiencing.
Whether it’s a nonsurgical or surgical solution, we have the treatments you need. Our experts specialize in minimally invasive procedures, including knee arthroscopy. From the time you walk into our office for a consultation to post-surgery recovery, we will take care of you. We even offer physical and occupational therapy to ensure you function as best as possible.
For more information about our specialties and procedures and services, call The Bone & Joint Center at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or send us an appointment request now. We look forward to serving you!