What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used by orthopedic surgeons to inspect and treat conditions that affect the joints. 

During the procedure, surgeons make a small incision at the site of the joint and insert an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a pencil-thin instrument with a lens and lighting system that allows the surgeon to see the inside of the joint on a computer screen so they don’t have to make a large incision. 

Your surgeon inspects the joint, looking at the ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones for signs of damage. Then, they repair the damage.

When is arthroscopic surgery performed?

Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine performs arthroscopic surgery to diagnose and treat joint injuries and conditions. 

Your provider may recommend arthroscopic surgery to determine the underlying cause of your knee, ankle, or shoulder pain when conservative care fails to ease your discomfort. The surgery may help find conditions such as:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Meniscus tears
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Chondromalacia (wearing away of the cartilage in the knee)

Once your provider at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine determines the root cause of your symptoms, they perform procedures using arthroscopic technology to treat the condition. 

What happens during arthroscopic surgery?

Your provider at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine reviews the details of your arthroscopic surgery during your pre-surgical consultation. What happens during the procedure depends on the joint undergoing surgery and the suspected cause of your symptoms. 

Your surgeon first makes a small incision to insert the arthroscope and inspect the joint. Then, they make additional small incisions to insert the surgical instruments needed to correct the problem. 

After arthroscopic surgery, you go to the recovery room. Most arthroscopic surgeries are outpatient procedures, so you go home the same day. 

Recovery following arthroscopic surgery depends on the type of procedure performed. For a diagnostic procedure, you may return to your usual activities within a few days or weeks. For surgical repair of an injury like an ACL tear, recovery may take weeks or months. 

To discuss arthroscopic surgery with the experts at Dearborn and Livonia Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, call the office most convenient to you, or schedule a consultation online today.