(Fiberoptic Joint Examination)
Definition
Definition
Arthroscopy is a surgery done to examine a joint visually. Most of the time, it is done on larger joints, like the knee or shoulder. A special tool called an arthroscope is used. It is an instrument that looks like a long tube with a miniature camera on the end. Repairs or corrections to the joint may be done by using the arthroscope and other tools.
Diagnostic Arthroscopy of the Right KneeCopyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
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Reasons for Procedure
Reasons for Procedure
It is used to see, diagnose, and treat problems inside your joint. The procedure is most often performed for the following reasons:
- Diagnose an injury or disease inside a joint
- Remove bone or cartilage
- Repair tendons or ligaments
Possible Complications
Possible Complications
Problems from the procedure are rare, but all procedures have some risk. Your doctor will review potential problems, like:
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Swelling or bleeding
- Damage to blood vessels, nerves, or other tissue
- The need to have another surgery or more extensive surgery
Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:
What to Expect
What to Expect
Prior to Procedure
Anesthesia
The type of anesthesia will depend on the joint your doctor is looking at. You may receive one of the following:
- General anesthesia —you will be asleep
- Local anesthesia—the area will be numbed
- Spinal anesthetic —your lower body will be numbed by putting a numbing medicine in your back
Description of the Procedure
The doctor will make tiny incisions in the skin along the joint. Special tools will be inserted through the incisions. The tools include the arthroscope. The picture from the arthroscope will show up on a screen so that the doctor can see the inside of your joint. The doctor may use the images to move around other tools that can cut and repair tissue in your joint.
For example:
- Some meniscal tears in the knee will be repaired by cutting out some of the cartilage.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist may be treated by loosening the ligament that puts pressure on the nerves.
Once the examination or surgery is done, the tools will be removed. The skin may be closed with stitches or clips. The incisions will be covered with a dressing. The fluid or tissue that was removed may be sent to a lab for examination.
How Long Will It Take?
Usually less than one hour, but this may be longer if repairs are being done.
Will It Hurt?
Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.
Post-procedure Care
The dressings can sometimes be removed as early as the next morning. When you return home after the procedure, do the following to help ensure a smooth recovery:
It takes 4-6 weeks for the joint to recover. You can probably go back to work or resume daily activities within a few days, as long your doctor approves. You may be instructed to use crutches or a cane for the first few days if the surgery was done on a joint in your legs. A specific activity and rehabilitation program may be suggested. This will help speed your recovery and protect future joint function.
Athletes often return to athletic competition within a few weeks.
Note: Repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) by arthroscope may require a recovery time of 4-6 months and a more specialized rehabilitation program.
Call Your Doctor
Call Your Doctor
It is important to monitor your recovery. Alert your doctor to any problems. If any of the following occur, call your doctor:
- Signs of infection, including fever and chills
- Redness, swelling, increasing pain, excessive bleeding, or any discharge from the incision site
- Persistent nausea and/or vomiting
- Pain that you cannot control with the medications you’ve been given
- Cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain
- Joint pain, fatigue, stiffness, rash, or other new symptoms
- Swelling, tingling, pain, or numbness in your toes that is not relieved by elevating your knee above heart level for one hour
- Drainage
If you think you have an emergency, call for medical help right away.
RESOURCES:
Ortho Info—American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons http://www.orthoinfo.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Association http://www.coa-aco.org/patient-education
References:
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00109
Updated May 2010. Accessed December 18, 2014.
Lindström D, Azodi O, et al. Effects of a perioperative smoking cessation intervention on postoperative complications: A randomized trial. Ann Surg. 2008;248:739-745.
What is arthroscopy? Arthroscopy Association of North America website. Available at:
http://www.aana.org/PatientInformationBrochures/WhatisArthroscopy/tabid/93/Default.aspx
Accessed December 18, 2014.
Yacub J, Rice B, et al. Nerve injury in patients after hip and knee arthroplasties and knee arthroscopy. Am J PhysMed Rehabil. 2009;88:635-641.
Last Updated: 12/20/2014