Surgery - Arthroscopy
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is the process of getting internal images of the body through a tube containing a source of light along with a camera. The process is carried out using a long, thin metal tube so that it is easier to get it inside and be able to get the access to the area in and around the joints. This metal tube is known as an arthroscope and the process is known as arthroscopy.
What is it for?
Doctors make use of arthroscopy to inspect the joints when the patient has chronic pain in joints. The pain may be associated with many factors. For example, it may be caused by the swelling of muscles or presence of fluid. Capturing images of the interior helps the doctor to make a diagnosis and propose the best treatment options. For the most part arthroscopy is used in joints like ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows and hips.
What is the process like?
Arthroscopy is a surgical process hence general anaesthesia is generally given to the patient. If the case is not severe and requires a minor surgery then doctors may make the use of local anaesthesia. To start the process, a cut is made and the arthroscope inserted. This incision is generally made as close to the joint as possible and if needed, more cuts are made to insert other instruments to carry out the treatment procedure.
Because arthroscopy requires very minimal incisions and intrusion into the body it requires far less recovery time than more intrusive surgical methods.
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