Painful Joints? How About Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure which is used to treat arthritis. Arthroscopy can be used to repair joints that have been damaged due to arthritis. Here are some questions to ask the doctor before having arthroscopic surgery.
How the surgery is performed
During the procedure, the surgeon will insert a narrow tube with a tiny video camera into a small incision close to the joint to be treated. The camera allows the surgeon to see the joint without having to make a larger incision. Many surgeons will opt for this minimally invasive surgery because a smaller incision means that patients experience a faster recovery and less pain.
1. Is arthroscopic surgery right for this condition?
The most common joint for arthroscopic surgery to be performed on is the knee joint. Surgeons are able to examine the whole knee joint with just two small incisions, each about the size of a small button. Today’s medical technology has developed instruments and fittings that allow surgeons to easily repair tissue damage.
2. Is arthroscopic surgery performed under anesthetic?
Arthroscopic surgery is performed under spinal anesthesia. This is a form of regional anesthesia. The patient stays awake throughout the procedure but will feel no pain. Spinal anesthesia has the advantage of being simple, working quickly, and requiring a minimal drug dose.
3. Will there be any pain after the surgery?
Although arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure, sometime there will be some persistent pain after recovery. In many cases, following a rehabilitation and physical therapy plan after surgery will help in decreasing this pain and improving recovery.
4. Is arthroscopy an effective treatment for osteoarthritis?
There are a number of studies examining the types of conditions that are best for arthroscopic surgery. The procedure may be less effective for osteoarthritis than for other arthritis types. Many doctors recommend that this type of knee surgery is only used for patients who are suffering from degenerative effects of arthritis.
Find out more information
Arthroscopy is not suitable for all arthritis patients, but for some, the procedure can be a successful treatment option for relieving pain. Patients who are suffering from osteoarthritis in one or both knees should discuss with a doctor to see if arthroscopy is suitable. All patients should consult with a physician to find out if arthroscopy is the right treatment option.
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“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
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“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
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“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
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“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
