An arthroscope is an endoscope (an instrument that operates like a camera) that is inserted into the body to see your internal joints through a small incision. Hence, an arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage is performed using an arthroscope. The advantage over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully.
Though arthroscopies may be performed on almost any joint in your body, our physicians specialize in the following areas:
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Spine
- Ankle/Foot
- Hip
Knee Arthroscopy
This surgery involves 2 or more small incisions in the knee and using a tool called an arthroscope (a small camera mounted on a thin, flexible tube) so the surgeon can visualize the interior of the joint. The surgeon uses the enlarged image broadcast on a screen in the operating room to guide tiny surgical instruments through the incision to make whatever repairs are needed.
Uses
ACL tear reconstruction, meniscal tear repair/trimming, loose body removal, removal of inflamed synovium, and more.
Hip Arthroscopy
The arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint as other tiny surgical instruments are inserted into other incisions made by the surgeon. As with other arthroscopic procedures, the surgical team watches the operation progress in real-time on a screen in the operating room. Hip arthroscopy can treat many painful hip problems that impact the labrum, articular cartilage, and surrounding soft tissues.
Uses
Hip injuries, hip dysplasia, femoral acetabular impingement, loose body removal, synovitis, hip joint infection removal, and more.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Using an arthroscope to visualize the interior of the shoulder joint, the surgeon is able to relieve painful symptoms caused by injury to the rotator cuff tendons, articular cartilage, labrum, and surrounding soft tissues.
Uses
Rotator cuff repair, bone spur removal, shoulder instability repair, labral repair/removal, removal of inflamed tissue, and more.
Wrist Arthroscopy
This alternative to open surgical techniques can treat wrist injuries and painful wrist conditions.
Uses
Fracture repair, ligament/TFCC tear repair, and diagnosis or treatment of chronic wrist pain.