Arthroscopy Surgery in Delhi, India

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows doctors to view, diagnose, and treat joint problems. To perform arthroscopy, an arthroscope ( a tube with a camera and light) is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The camera shows images from the inside of the joint on a monitor, which lets surgeons see the joint structures and identify the source of the problem.

Procedure Type

Minimally invasive

Speciality

Orthopaedics

Additional Types

There are several types of arthroscopy, including knee, shoulder, ankle, elbow, and hip arthroscopy. The kind of arthroscopy performed will depend on the location and nature of the joint problem being treated.

Why is Arthroscopy Done?

An arthroscopy is mainly done to visualise the inside of the joint, which cannot be easily seen with external exams. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a range of joint problems, including:

• Osteoarthritis: A degenerative condition that causes stiffness, pain, and loss of motion in the joint.
• Torn cartilage: Refers to damage to the smooth, cushioned material that lines the joint, which can cause pain and affect joint function.
• Inflammation: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and bursitis can cause inflammation in the joint, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
• Loose fragments: Pieces of bone or cartilage may break and float around in the joint, thus causing pain and interfering with joint function.

What Are Some Conditions That Can Be Treated With Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is used to treat many conditions of different joints of the body, including:

• Knee: Meniscus tears, ACL injuries, loose bodies, cartilage damage, and synovitis.
• Shoulder: Rotator cuff tears, labral tears, frozen shoulder, impingement syndrome, and instability.
• Hip: Labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement, and loose bodies.
• Elbow: Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, loose bodies, and synovitis.
• Wrist: Carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cysts, and TFCC tears.
• Ankle: Ligament tears, impingement syndrome, and cartilage damage.

What are the Benefits of Arthroscopy?

Some of the benefits of arthroscopy include the following:

• Minimal Scarring: Arthroscopy requires only small incisions, resulting in minimal scarring.
• Less Pain: Since the incisions made during arthroscopy are small, the pain and discomfort associated with the procedure are less compared to traditional open surgery.
• Shorter Recovery Time: Arthroscopy is generally associated with a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery, allowing patients to return to their daily activities sooner.
• Lower risk of infection: Since arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure, the risk of infection is lower than traditional surgery.
• More precise diagnosis: Arthroscopy allows for a more precise diagnosis of joint problems, as the surgeon can directly visualise the joint and surrounding tissues using a camera.
• Better Treatment: Arthroscopy allows for a more targeted and precise treatment of joint problems, as the surgeon can use specialised instruments to perform procedures such as removing damaged tissue, repairing tears, or removing bone spurs.

Body Location

Any joint, Knee, Shoulders, Arms, Legs

Preparation for Arthroscopy Surgery

• The doctor will take the patient's personal and family medical history. 
• To ensure they are fit for the procedure, the patient will have to undergo lab, diagnostic, and imaging tests, such as blood tests and X-rays.
• The doctor may start or stop certain medications before the procedure; they will also ask what the patient is using currently. 
• Individuals must quit smoking a few weeks before the procedure because it interferes with healing. 
• Exercising regularly before the procedure helps with post-operative healing.

How is the Arthroscopy Procedure Performed?

• The procedure may take 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the complexity of the joint problem and the extent of the surgery. 
• The patient is administered anaesthesia.
• Once the arthroscope is in place, the surgeon uses small instruments, such as scissors, shavers, and forceps, to repair the joint, such as removing torn cartilage, repairing a torn ligament, or cleaning out any debris. 
• At the end of the procedure, the arthroscope and instruments are removed, and the incisions are closed with stitches or surgical tape.

Risks of the Arthroscopy Procedure Performed

While all precautions are taken to ensure the procedure is successful, some complications may accompany the procedure. These include:

• Anaesthesia related complications
• Stiffness
• Persistent pain
• Blood vessel injury
• Nerve damage
• Blood clots
• Additional surgery or therapy may be required
• Infections
• Blood clots

Recovery of the Arthroscopy Procedure 

• Patients cannot lift heavy objects, perform strenuous activities or operate heavy machinery.
• The doctor may put a splint, cast or immobiliser in place for stability and comfort.
• It can take around 4-6 months to return to daily activities and up to a year for a full recovery, depending on the procedure and extent of the condition.
• Regular follow-ups can help doctors monitor for any complications.
• Patients are encouraged to take physical therapy to help strengthen their joints.
• Pain relief medications are provided to keep patients comfortable while they heal. 

FAQs

Can you walk right after arthroscopic knee surgery?

It depends on the extent of the surgery and individual healing time, but most patients can walk using crutches or a knee brace soon after the procedure. Specific instructions will be provided by your doctor on when it is safe to start walking and weight-bearing after the surgery.

Is an arthroscopy day surgery?

Yes, most arthroscopies are performed as day surgeries, which means you can go home the same day as the procedure. In some cases, patients may have to stay overnight in the hospital for observation or additional treatment. Your doctor will provide specific instructions based on your situation.

How long does arthroscopic surgery take?

The duration of an arthroscopic surgery can vary depending on the extent of the condition, but most procedures take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to complete. Your doctor will provide more specific information based on your case.

Review

Reviewed by Dr. Raju Easwaran, Principal Consultant  – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Arthroscopy & Sports Injury on 1-May-2024.