Arthroscopic Surgery

What is Arthroscopic Surgery?

The surgical technique that allows the diagnosis of orthopedic diseases involving the joint area to be confirmed and treated with closed surgery techniques is called arthroscopy. The inside of the joint to be treated with arthroscopy is examined with a lighted camera system, in other words, a fiberoptic device. After the current disease is diagnosed, treatment-oriented procedures are applied in the same area.

An arthroscope is a tool that allows you to see the inside of the joint during the procedure. It is connected to a fiberoptic light source and images can be accessed with a video camera system. In order to observe the inside of the joint, the arthroscope is inserted into the joint through 0.5 cm holes.

Arthroscopic surgery procedures are basically an optical system application. A camera is attached to the end of the optical system called the score, and a monitor is connected to the camera to see the inside of the joint. The images inside the joint can be magnified 6 to 10 times and all structures inside the joint can be examined in detail. It is possible to record the images on video or take photographs. In this way, the inside of the joint can be observed and evaluated through minimal incisions without making the large incisions required in open surgery procedures.

Thanks to arthroscopy, any joint in the body can be viewed via camera. For this reason, arthroscopy is one of the most frequently applied surgical procedures for the diagnosis and treatment of structural problems that cause instability, pain or other dysfunctions in the joints.

In Which Cases Is Arthroscopy Applied?

Arthroscopy can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of most problems involving large joints. In the knee joint;

To repair or remove meniscus tears,
To repair anterior and posterior cruciate ligament tears,
To correct joint cartilage problems,
To remove cysts and benign tumors

In the ankle joint;

In cartilage separations,
In soft tissue compressions that occur after sprains,
In cleaning bone protrusions in football players’ ankles,
In some fractures involving the joint,

In the shoulder joint;

In the treatment of recurrent dislocations in the shoulder,
In the repair of muscle compressions and ruptures around the shoulder,
In the opening of movement restrictions in frozen shoulder,
In the treatment of intra-articular cartilage and biceps tendon problems,
In addition, arthroscopy can be used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases in joints such as elbow, hip and wrist.

How is arthroscopy applied?

The patient is examined before arthroscopy. In arthroscopic surgery, which is a closed technique, local, spiral or general anesthesia can be applied. Depending on the joint where the arthroscopy procedure will be applied and the scope of the procedure, 4-5 mm incisions are made on the skin. A cannula is placed through the incisions and the arthroscope is advanced through it and delivered to the joint. The joint is inflated with pressure by sending a special fluid through the cannula. Thus, the narrow joint spaces are widened and the imaging and surgical procedure are facilitated. With the help of pressurized fluid, the cut and worn tissue pieces in the joint are removed from the joint.

The images recorded by the arthroscope are simultaneously transferred to the monitor and the surgeon performs the procedure with the images he/she watches on the monitor. Each structure within the joint is checked in a specific order. If any pathology is detected, special surgical instruments are inserted through other small incisions and the necessary procedures are performed.

What are the Advantages of Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method frequently preferred in modern medicine and draws attention with its many advantages. Arthroscopy is much less invasive compared to traditional surgical procedures. Since it is performed using small incisions, patients do not have major surgical wounds and the recovery process is much shorter.

At the same time, since arthroscopy causes less tissue damage, the recovery process is usually faster. Patients can return to their daily activities and work in a shorter time. This is one of the factors that increases the quality of life.

Due to less tissue trauma, there is also less postoperative pain. Since there are smaller incisions and minimal tissue damage, the risk of developing surgical complications such as infection is lower compared to traditional methods. For this reason, arthroscopy is considered a safe treatment option.

Arthroscopy is usually performed as an outpatient procedure. Thus, patients often return home on the same day. Arthroscopy provides the opportunity to see the internal structure of the joints directly, providing more precise and detailed information for both diagnosis and treatment. It is often a preferred procedure to perform more targeted and effective interventions.

What are the Points to Consider Before Arthroscopy Surgery?

A detailed interview should be held between the patient and the doctor before arthroscopy surgery. In this interview; information should be obtained about the purpose of the surgery, how it will be performed, possible risks and expectations. Informing your doctor about any allergies, chronic diseases or previous surgeries is important for planning the surgery.

Some changes may be required in your diet before the surgery. It is generally recommended to fast on the day of the surgery. You should get detailed instructions from your doctor on this subject and strictly follow these instructions.

It is also important to be physically prepared for the surgery. If you smoke, it is recommended that you quit before the surgery. Smoking can negatively affect the healing process. Similarly, regular exercise can help you recover faster after the surgery.

What are the Points to Consider After Arthroscopy Surgery?

The healing process after arthroscopic surgery, which can be applied to the wrist, ankle, knee, hip, elbow, shoulder and finger joints; It may vary depending on the degree of the problem to be treated for each patient, the scope of the procedure performed and the current condition of the patient.

After arthroscopy, water should not be allowed to touch these areas until the wound and entry holes are completely healed, and joint movement and loading on the joint should be provided according to the procedure performed. Necessary care should be taken regarding the timing of starting the movements and loading on the joints determined by the physician.

It is normal for the patient to experience some pain, bruising, stiffness and swelling after the surgery. Ice compresses may be recommended to reduce swelling. In addition, the use of a hotel, support or crutches may be considered.

Although it is possible to benefit from special exercises or physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles and prevent joint stiffness after arthroscopy; care should be taken to avoid intense activities for the first few weeks.