Wockhardt Hospitals Guide To Arthroscopy-Part 1

What is Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to visualize ,diagnose and treat problems inside a joint.in an arthroscopic examination,an orthopedic surgeon makes an incision in the patients skin and then inserts a pencil sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint.Light is transmitted through fibre optics to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted inside the joint.By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera,the surgeon is able to see the interiors of the joint through this small incision rather than making a large incision.

The television camera attached to the arthroscope displays the image of the joint on a television screen,allowing the surgeon to look around the knee .The suregon can then determine the amount or type of the injury,and then repair or correct the problem ,if necessary.

Why is Arthroscopy necessary.

Diagnosing joint injuries and diseases begins with a thorough medical history,physical examination and an X-Ray.Additional tests such as an MRI or a CT Scan may also be needed.Through the arthroscope ,a final diagnosis is made which may be more accurate than an open surgery or from X-ray Studies.

What are the Normal Joint Conditions diagnosed through Arthroscopy

Some of the most frequent conditions found during arthroscopic examination of the joint are

• Inflammation

Synovitis-Inflamed lining (synovium) of the knee ,shoulder,elbow,wrists, or ankle

• Injury:Acute and Chronic
  

Shoulder-Rotator Cuff Tendon Tears,impingment syndrome
Knee-Meniscal tears,chondromalacia (wearing or injuryof carthilage cushion) and anterior crucitae ligament tears with instability.

• Loose Bodies of bone and or/Cartilage

Although all the joints can be viewed with an arthroscope ,six joints are most frequently examined with this instrument.These include the knees,shoulder,elbow,ankle,hip and wrist.

How is Arthroscopy performed

Under suitable anesthesia ,a small incision (about the size of the buttonhole) will be made to inser the arthroscope.Several other incisions may be made to see other parts of the joints.Corrective surgery is performed with specially designed instruments that are inserted into the joints through accessory incisions.For example meniscal tears in the knee can be successfully treated with arthroscopic surgery.