Disease and injury can affect not just your bones, but also your cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons. While some orthopedic problems can be resolved with rest, medication, therapy, and other less invasive treatments, there are cases where surgery is required. Arthroscopic surgery is among the minimally invasive surgeries recommended for the treatment of certain orthopedic issues that do not respond to non-operative methods.
Read on to learn more about arthroscopy and get an idea of whether it could help alleviate your condition.
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic surgery, or arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive orthopedic procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It entails using a narrow scope, known as an arthroscope, and specialized surgical tools to gain access to a joint through small “keyhole” incisions. Because arthroscopic surgery requires minimal incisions compared to open surgery, recovery times are typically shorter.
Arthroscopy is now widely used and even considered essential, as it allows outpatient treatment where hospitalization was previously required. In fact, arthroscopic surgery is now a critical component of orthopedic resident training and a standard of care for many joint problems. For this reason, arthroscopy of the knee in Boca Raton, as well as arthroscopic surgery for other joints, have become popular among patients.
What is the purpose of arthroscopy?
The six most common arthroscopic surgeries are:
- Arthroscopy of the knee
- Arthroscopy of the shoulder
- Arthroscopy of the hip
- Arthroscopy of the ankle
- Arthroscopy of the elbow
- Arthroscopy of the wrist
Such procedures may be performed to aid in the diagnosis or treatment of a variety of conditions, the most common of which are:
- Tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Chondromalacia of the kneecap (cartilage damage)
- Labral tears in the shoulder
- Impingement syndrome
- Meniscal tear of the knee
- Recurring shoulder dislocations
- Shoulder rotator cuff tendon tears
- Bursitis of the shoulder
The most common arthroscopic procedures are shoulder and knee arthroscopy. These joints’ spaces are large enough to accommodate the surgical instruments.
What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery such as arthroscopy of the knee in Boca Raton?
Arthroscopic surgeries, such as knee arthroscopy, usually require less recovery time than traditional (open) surgery. Because you only need a few small stitches, you’ll be able to get back on your feet faster than with traditional surgery. You may also experience less pain and have a lower risk of infection.
Who is an ideal candidate for arthroscopy?
According to Dr. Eric Shapiro, one of the fine orthopedic doctors in Boca Raton who practice at Orthopedic Surgery Associates:
“A candidate for arthroscopic surgery is a patient with acute injury with a meniscal cartilage tear or a patient with a chronic meniscal tear who has failed conservative treatment of greater than six weeks. Patients younger than age 50 are treated more aggressively, and patients older than 50 years old are treated more conservatively. Conservative treatment includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and cortisone injection. Other criteria include level of pain, amount of disability, and inability to perform activities of daily living and sporting endeavors. The patient and physician together review all these variables and formulate an individualized treatment plan for recovery. Each patient’s treatment plan is modified to relieve their painful symptoms. The patient must trust the experience and expertise of the orthopaedic surgeon to see if they are candidates for this arthroscopic surgery.”
Should I consider arthroscopy of the knee in Boca Raton?
If you are suffering from joint pain, you should consider seeing an orthopedic surgeon. Together you can decide upon the best treatment options for your specific condition. Only after a careful examination will your orthopedic surgeon be able to determine whether you are a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery.
And if in fact a surgery is needed, do not worry – this one procedure has proven to be one of the most effective treatments out there – it has proven to be almost risk-free and is beneficial to the large majority of the patients
Why choose OSA for arthroscopy surgery of the knee?
Orthopaedic Surgery Associates is a practice with two convenient locations in Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. It is also home to some of the best orthopedic surgeons you can find in the state.
As mentioned in many of our previous articles, our orthopedic doctors are all Board Certified (Why is it important? Find out here!) and they all have a lot of experience with treating patients with severe ortho-related conditions, including fractured knees, shoulders, elbows and ankles.
One of the procedures performed at Orthopaedic Surgery Associates is the arthroscopy surgery – a procedure proven most effective when it comes to joint-related issues.
Schedule your consultation today!
You don’t have to keep on living with chronic joint pain. There are a range of treatment options that our orthopedic doctors in Boynton Beach and Boca Raton can recommend to alleviate your pain and symptoms.
If you’d like to find out more about arthroscopy surgery of the knee and our other services, contact us today and see how we can help you.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
