Arthroscopy Surgery in India | Minimally Invasive Surgery

What happens during arthroscopy?

Before arthroscopy, the orthopedist performs a thorough diagnosis for the patient to find the exact cause of the issue and determine what the best treatment option would be. Generally, before the surgery imaging tests are performed. Common imaging tests performed before arthroscopic orthopedic surgery are X-rays, CT scan, MRI scan, ultrasonography, etc.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the orthopedic surgeon discusses various treatment options with the patient. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed under either general anesthesia or regional anesthesia – based on the joint being operated on and the type of surgery.

Once the anesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon makes a tiny (3-4 mm – the size of a buttonhole) incision to insert the scope and surgical instruments. The surgery is generally completed with minimal injury to the surrounding tissues. Once the surgery has been completed, the incisions are sutured and bandaged for recovery.

What to expect after an orthopedic surgery?

Generally, every patient’s experience is different after the surgery, depending on the type of surgery being performed, the patient’s general health condition, the joint being operated on, etc. Most arthroscopic surgeries are completed within 60-90 minutes, after which the patient is taken to the recovery room for overnight observation.

Generally after care after arthroscopic surgery includes medications, rest (RICE method), assistive devices (like crutches, slings, walkers, etc.), and physical therapy. The amount and duration of physical therapy depends on the type of surgery, the amount of joint function the patient wants, the patient’s age and health condition, etc.

Most patients are able to resume everyday activities and desk work within a few days, and start driving within 1-3 weeks of the surgery. However in case of a complication, recovery can be delayed. You should consult your surgeon if you have any signs of complications like fever, severe unmanageable pain, infectious drainage from the surgical site, inflammation of the incision, numbness or tingling sensation, etc.

When is arthroscopic surgery required?

Arthroscopic orthopedic surgery is usually a minor surgery that can be performed on an outpatient basis, in case of minor procedures. If you have a severely damaged or degenerated joint, you should consult an orthopedic surgeon for arthroscopic surgery.

Arthroscopy is generally performed for:

• Loose bone fragments
• Damaged or torn cartilage, tendons, and ligaments
• Inflamed joint linings
• Scarring within joints
• Knee joint pain and instability due to ACL or meniscus tears
• Shoulder impingement, tendinitis, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, rotator cuff tears, etc.
• Arthritic degeneration of the joints
• Wrist pain due to carpal tunnel syndrome, ganglion cyst, etc.

It is generally advised if the patient has severe pain and immobility, and his symptoms do not improve even with medical management and physiotherapy.

What are the risk factors associated with arthroscopy?

Though arthroscopic surgeries are by-and-large very safe, occasionally, they can result in post-surgical complications like:

• Tissue or nerve damage due to placement and movement of surgical instruments
• Allergy to anesthesia and other anesthesia-related complications
• Infection and drainage in the surgical site
• Uncontrolled bleeding and swelling
• Instrument breaking while operating
• Formation of blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) or lungs (pulmonary embolism)

How does arthroscopy benefit you?

The most common benefits of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery are:

• Smaller incisions
• More accurate diagnosis
• Shorter surgery time
• Less postoperative pain and inflammation
• Minimal trauma to the soft tissues surrounding the surgical site
• Less postoperative pain
• Quicker recovery time
• Minimal scarring
• Fewer chances of postoperative complications

How can I improve recovery after an arthroscopic orthopedic surgery?

Follow the given recovery tips to improve your recovery after arthroscopic surgery:

• Take your medication as prescribed to help manage the pain and prevent infection.
• Apply ice to the incision for the first 24 hours to reduce post surgical swelling. Elevate the knee using pillows, folded up blankets, etc., to reduce leg pain.
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke in the days after the surgery as they can interfere with the patient’s recuperative ability.
• Don’t put too much weight or pressure on the operated area.
• Use assistive devices like crutches, splints, slings, walkers, etc., as needed and advised by your physiotherapist.
• Keep the surgical site dry till the incision has completely healed. Wrap it using a plastic wrap while showering, taking a bath, etc.
• Keep up with your physiotherapy schedule till your recovery is complete.