Arthroscopic Surgery

An arthroscopic surgery involves making small incisions near the affected joint. The surgeon will inflate the joint for a better view. The surgeon then inserts a small tube with a camera or an arthroscope into one of the incisions. This allows the interior of the joint to be magnified and broadcast onto a video screen. The surgeon will use these images to guide his work inside the joint, using small instruments

The Need for Arthroscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery can treat inflammation, torn ligaments and tendons, loose bone or cartilage, and more. While knee and shoulder arthroscopies are the most common, arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat –

In the Knees – Torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), dislocated kneecap, Torn meniscus cartilage, damaged meniscus (requiring extensive repair), Plica syndrome, new cartilage stimulation (known as microfracture), Cartilage transfer (known as autologous chondrocyte implantation)

In the Shoulders – Torn rotator cuff, Labral tears, Tendonitis, Bursitis, Arthritis, Frozen shoulder

In the Hip – Labral tears, loose cartilage bodies, Cartilage damage, Arthritis, Snapping hip syndrome

In the Ankles – Cartilage damage, Bone spurs, Posterior ankle pain, Scar tissue or loose debris

In the Elbows – Cartilage damage, loose cartilage bodies or debris, Bone spurs, Tennis elbow

In the Wrists – Ganglion cysts, Ligament injury, Fractures

Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery

There are several advantages of arthroscopic surgery over traditional surgery.

• Smaller incisions

• Lower risk of complications due to tiny incisions instead of large cuts which reduce the chance of infection or other complications

• Lesser post-operative pain since no muscles or tendons are cut to repair the joint

• Faster recovery due to smaller, fewer incisions

• Faster recovery allows you to get back to a normal life faster

• Less scarring due to the minimally-invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery

• Less blood loss

It is not unusual for patients to be able to resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and active individuals may return to athletic activities within a few weeks. But you need to follow your doctor’s instructions about resuming activity and physical therapy.

To set up a consultation with one of the best knee doctors in Phoenix, call Phoenix Shoulder and Knee clinic at 480-219-3342. Dr. Adam Farber is a Board certified, Fellowship trained and an experienced knee surgeon in Phoenix AZ. He has a particular interest in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, ankle and knee. His focus is on shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries/conditions, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral pathology, Tommy John surgery, articular cartilage injuries, meniscal pathology, and ACL tears.