Understanding Arthroscopy: A Comprehensive Guide

Even minor joint pain can make the simplest of tasks difficult. Whether it's walking, bending, or just standing for a while, this discomfort can interfere with your daily life. Medications and physiotherapy are used to relieve pain, but they may not provide lasting relief. This is where arthroscopy comes in. In this post, we will discuss everything you need to know about arthroscopy and if you are facing any such issue you can contact with our Best Arthroscopy Surgeon In Kolkata at CMRI, Hospital.

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure designed to examine and correct joint problems. The doctor makes a small cut and inserts a tiny camera to look inside. This helps to detect problems such as pain or instability. Sometimes, the doctor can also fix the joint using small instruments. This is mostly done on knees and shoulders. This method heals faster and causes less pain than regular surgery.

Types of arthroscopy

There are six types of arthroscopic procedures. These are performed based on the condition of the affected joint. The most common types include:

• Knee arthroscopy: A widely performed procedure to treat knee problems. This may include torn meniscus, ACL tears, and cartilage damage.
• Shoulder arthroscopy: This procedure is used to diagnose and treat shoulder problems. This may include rotator cuff tears, impingement, and frozen shoulder.
• Hip arthroscopy: This is less common but is beneficial for hip conditions such as labral tears, hip impingement, and hip dysplasia.
• Ankle arthroscopy: This helps diagnose and treat ankle problems. This may include sprains, cartilage damage, and impingement.
• Elbow arthroscopy: This is used to treat elbow conditions, such as tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and loose joint bodies.
• Wrist arthroscopy: Although less common, it is effective for treating wrist problems. This can include ligament tears, fractures, and ganglion cysts.

Who needs arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a procedure designed to relieve joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. The procedure is most commonly performed on knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, and wrist joints. You may need arthroscopy if you have the following:

• Torn cartilage or ligament: This often occurs in athletes or active individuals.
• Joint inflammation: This can be caused by conditions such as synovitis, which can cause inflammation.
• Bone spurs or loose fragments: These can develop and block or limit joint movement.
• Arthritis damage: This occurs when osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis wears away cartilage.
• Recurrent joint pain or instability: This can cause joints to lock, click, or loosen.

If joint pain affects your daily activities and other treatments have failed, arthroscopy may be the next step.

What are the causes of joint problems?

Joint problems can occur for many reasons. The most common causes include:

Cause	Description
Injuries	Sports injuries, falls or accidents can cause ligament tears or fractures.
Wear & Tear	Ageing or repetitive movements cause deterioration and stiffness in the joints.
Arthritis	Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause chronic pain and swelling in the joints.
Infections	Bacterial or viral infections can cause long-term damage to the joints.
Genetics	Some people inherit joint problems, putting them at risk for early deterioration.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery has proven to be more effective than traditional open surgery, as it offers various benefits. Since it requires only small incisions, patients experience less pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker recovery time. The benefits include:

• Faster Recovery: Smaller incisions mean less damage to surrounding tissues, allowing a quicker return to daily activities.
• Less Pain & Swelling: Reduced trauma to the joint leads to a more comfortable recovery.
• Lower Risk of Complications: Less chance of infection or blood loss compared to open surgery.
• Precise Diagnosis & Treatment: Surgeons can accurately assess and repair joint issues using a small camera.
• Improved Joint Function: Restores mobility and reduces stiffness in damaged joints.

Many people return to normal activities within a few weeks after arthroscopy. Whether you're an athlete recovering from an injury or someone struggling with arthritis, arthroscopy can help restore joint health and improve your quality of life.

Final Words

Arthroscopic surgery is a highly effective, minimally invasive procedure that helps diagnose and treat various joint conditions. 

Whether you're dealing with persistent pain, limited mobility, or sports-related injuries, this procedure offers a faster recovery, less pain, and improved joint function compared to traditional open surgery. 

If conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy haven’t provided relief, arthroscopy could be the solution you need to regain an active and pain-free lifestyle.

CTA

If you're experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that affects your daily activities, don’t wait for it to worsen. Contact the CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI Kolkata. 

FAQ

 

What joints can be treated with arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy can be used to treat the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, ankle, and wrist joints. It helps diagnose and repair issues like torn ligaments, cartilage damage, and inflammation.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure usually takes between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending on the joint being treated and the complexity of the condition. Some cases may take longer if additional repairs are needed.

Can I go home the same day after an arthroscopy?

Yes, most arthroscopies are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. However, you may need someone to drive you, and recovery instructions should be followed carefully.

Is physical therapy necessary after arthroscopy?

In most cases, physical therapy is recommended to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility. It helps speed up recovery and ensures the best possible outcome for joint function.