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.

3 Things to Know Before Your FESS 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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