Understanding Shoulder and Knee Arthroscopy
An arthroscope is a small tube that contains a light source and a lens which can be inserted into a small opening in the skin. This small surgical camera allows a doctor to view shoulder and knee joints in a manner that is minimally invasive. Arthroscopy is useful for diagnosing disease or damage as well as performing reconstructive surgery.
Arthroscopy Surgery
Both shoulder and knee arthroscopy are conducted in similar manners. According to WebMD, it is also one of the most common procedures used on shoulders and knees. The procedure begins with a cleaning of the area, local or regional anesthesia and a small incision made near the joint. The doctor then uses the arthroscope to examine the surrounding ligaments and tendons to determine if a repair is necessary. If it is, one to three more small incisions is made in order to insert other surgical instruments that help remove tissue or bone. After the surgery is complete, fluid is drained from the area and the incisions are closed and bandaged.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Shoulder arthroscopy is useful for several issues including:
- Bone spurs: excess growths on the bone can cause inflammation around the rotator cuff
- Torn rotator cuff: this occurs when the tissue that connects muscle to bone around the shoulder joint is damaged
- Arthritis: this usually occurs at the end of the clavicle
- Damaged lining: the lining of the joint can become inflamed
- Torn ligaments: this can cause shoulder instability or damage to the bicep tendon
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is useful for several issues including:
- Kneecap misalignment: the cartilage under kneecap can deteriorate due to athletic activities or arthritis
- Damaged lining: inflammation can result from tears in the knee’s lining
- Torn ligaments: it is possible to damage the anterior cruciate or posterior cruciate ligament
- Broken cartilage: often referred to as “loose bodies,” small pieces of cartilage can be found in the joint
- Arthritis: arthroscopy is most effective in mild cases
- Meniscus tear: considered the shock absorbers between your thighbone and shinbone can be torn, usually as a result of contact sports
Recovering from Arthroscopy
The recovery is generally much milder than open surgery and results in fewer complications. Patients may be asked to ice the wound, reapply clean bandages or take pain medication. In some cases, the doctor may require crutches or a brace and abstain from certain activities for a short period of time.
If you are suffering from a knee or shoulder injury that may benefit from arthroscopic surgery, contact us today for a consultation with one of our orthopedic surgeons.
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“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“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 great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“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.”
“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.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“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.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“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 ”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“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!”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“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 ”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“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.”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“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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Rotator Cuff Repair: Restoring Mobility & Relieving Shoulder Pain
Rotator cuff repair can relieve shoulder pain and restore strength. Learn how surgery works, recovery timelines, and when repair may be needed.
Managing Post-Surgical Pain: The Benefits Of Personalized Care Plans
After surgery, pain management is one of the most important things you need to finalize to help support your recovery.
Knee Arthroscopy: What Conditions Can This Procedure Treat?
Knee arthroscopy is a procedure with multiple applications. Learn how this surgery helps different knee conditions.
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