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BONE TO PICK
Dr Jonas Fernandez is an Orthopaedic Surgeon at Putrajaya Hospital . He is also a member of the Malaysian Arthroscopy Society ( MAS ).
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Knee scope . |
YOU have probably heard this term used before – the so-called “ keyhole ” surgery . It generally describes a procedure through which surgery is done using a small incisions to gain access to a part of the body . The reason they are referred to in this term is because the wound is usually around the length of the keyhole seen on a lock . Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure through which surgery can be done using this approach .
Arthroscopic surgery is a modern medical technique that allows doctors to look inside a joint and treat issues with minimal invasiveness . If you ’ ve heard about knee or shoulder arthroscopic surgery but aren ’ t quite sure what it involves , you ’ re not alone . Let ’ s break it down into easy-to-understand terms .
WHAT IS ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY ?
Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure where doctors use a unique instrument called an arthroscope to view the inside of a joint . The arthroscope is a thin tube with a camera and light at the end . It ’ s inserted into the joint through a small incision , allowing the surgeon to see the joint ’ s interior on a monitor . This technique is much less invasive compared to traditional open surgery because it requires only tiny incisions .
WHY DO PEOPLE NEED IT ?
People typically need arthroscopic surgery when they have joint pain or problems that can ’ t be managed with medications or physical therapy alone . It includes :
• Knee issues : Torn ligaments ( like the ACL ), meniscus tears , or cartilage damage .
• Shoulder problems : Rotator cuff tears , labral tears , or shoulder impingement syndrome .
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THE BENEFITS OF ARTHROSCOPIC SURGERY
1 . Less pain and faster recovery : Because the incisions are small , there ’ s usually less pain after surgery , and recovery time is shorter compared to traditional open surgery .
2 . Minimal scarring : The small incisions leave minimal scarring , which can be a significant advantage for many people .
3 . Quick return to activities : Patients often return to their normal activities more quickly , although the exact time frame can vary based on the specific surgery and individual healing .
HOW DOES THE PROCEDURE WORK ?
1 . Preparation : Before the surgery , you ’ ll be given anaesthesia to make sure you don ’ t feel pain . Depending on the procedure , you may be given general anaesthesia ( completely asleep ) or regional anaesthesia . Again , depending on the type of surgery , you may be positioned in a supine position ( laying down flat ), lateral position ( laying down sideways ) or in a beach chair position ( the name says it all ).
2 . Insertion : The surgeon makes a small incision near the joint and inserts the arthroscope . They may make additional tiny incisions to insert other specialised tools needed for the surgery . Depending on the type of surgery , the number of these small incisions may vary .
3 . Diagnosis and repair : The camera provides a detailed view of the joint on a monitor . The surgeon examines the joint and performs the necessary repairs using small tools . This could involve trimming damaged tissue , repairing torn ligaments , or removing loose fragments .
4 . Completion : Once the repair is done , the surgeon removes the instruments and closes the incisions with tiny stitches or adhesive strips .
5 . Recovery : You ’ ll spend some time in the recovery room , and then you will either be allowed to go home the same day ( daycare ) or stay in the hospital for a couple of days . Your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for your joint , which may include rest , physical therapy , and gradually increasing activity .
WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER THE SURGERY
Post-surgery , you may experience some swelling , bruising , or discomfort , but
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this typically improves over time . Pain management will be part of your recovery plan , and your doctor will prescribe painkiller medications .
Physical therapy is often recommended to help restore strength and mobility to the joint . It ’ s important to follow your therapist ’ s instructions to get the best outcome from your surgery .
You might also be required to use either a knee brace or a shoulder brace after the surgery . Motion of the involved joint may have to be limited in the initial stages after surgery . Gradually , these limitations will be lifted , and your doctor will instruct you on the number of movements allowed . For patients undergoing knee surgeries , the amount of weight your operated leg is allowed to bear will be limited too immediately after the procedure .
RISKS AND CONSIDERATIONS
Like any surgery , arthroscopic procedures come with some risks , including infection , bleeding , joint stiffness or reactions to anaesthesia . However , these risks are relatively low . Most people find the benefits far outweigh these potential issues , particularly when it comes to pain relief and improved joint function .
FINAL THOUGHTS
Arthroscopic surgery has transformed the way doctors treat joint problems , offering a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery with faster recovery times and minimal scarring . If you ’ re facing knee or shoulder surgery , understanding the process can help alleviate some of your concerns and set you on the path to recovery .
Always talk to your healthcare provider to get personalised information and advice tailored to your specific condition and needs . – The HEALTH
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