Joint Diagnosis And Repair With Arthroscopy
During an arthroscopic procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and inserts a small, pencil-sized instrument which has a small light, camera, and lens attached. The arthroscope enables the surgeon to illuminate and magnify the structures within a joint. The size and magnification capabilities of the arthroscope mean that only a small incision is needed.
The camera displays a magnified image of the joint on a TV screen, allowing the surgeon to identify any damaged areas around the bone, cartilage, ligaments and beneath the kneecap. The surgeon can then determine how serious the injury is and what needs to be done to correct it. This procedure can be used to examine the knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow, and hip joints.
Who needs an arthroscopy?
A patient who is having problems with a joint will first discuss medical history as well as how an injury was sustained. The doctor will then order an image for further diagnosis. An arthroscope is still often needed to enable a final diagnosis. Injuries and disease can cause damage to bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage.
Using arthroscopy to treat injuries
Some of the most common conditions revealed using arthroscopy include acute or chronic injury, inflammation, loose bodies of bone, and ligament tears. Arthroscopy can be combined with surgical procedures to perform rotator cuff surgery, repair torn ligaments, remove inflamed synovium, resection torn cartilage, and remove loose bone.
Arthroscopy can be performed under a general or local anesthetic depending on which joint is being treated. The surgeon needs only to make a very small incision, although other small incisions may be made in other parts of the joint so he or she can insert other instruments. The length of surgery and amount of recovery time will depend on the severity of the injury.
Recovery after arthroscopy
The puncture wounds from arthroscopy typically take 2-3 days to heal. Joint pain is usually minimal, though it will take the joint several weeks to recover. The doctor will recommend a specific rehabilitation and physical therapy program to speed recovery and help protect your joint from damage in the future.
After arthroscopy, patients usually resume their normal daily activities within a few days. Athletes often return to their sports regime within a few weeks. Recovery time will depend on specific diagnosis and any underlying medical issues.
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“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.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“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.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
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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.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“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!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
