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Your ProcedureArthroscopic SurgeryWelcome to Mercy Health Partner’s state of the art arthroscopic surgery program. It is our hope that this information answers any questions you may have about what to expect during your surgical experience, and helps to make your stay with us a pleasant one. It describes many of the procedures and routines common to patients undergoing either knee, elbow, or shoulder arthroscopic surgery. If you have any circumstances that may alter the normal course, they will be discussed with you. What exactly is arthroscopy? Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows for the diagnosis, and if necessary, treatment of complications inside a joint. The word arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, "artho" meaning joint, and "skopein" meaning to look. Literally, the terms translate "to look within the joint." During an arthroscopic examination, an orthopaedic surgeon makes two or three (depending on the joint) small incisions in the patient’s skin around the joint and proceeds to insert special instruments that have a small lens and lighting system to illuminate and magnify the components of the joint. The use of fiber optics facilitates the transmittance of light to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted into the joint. The television camera attached to the arthroscope allows for the image of the joint to be displayed on a television screen, allowing the surgeon to look throughout the joint. In this way, the surgeon is able to determine the caliber of injury, and then correct the problem if necessary. What are the benefits of arthroscopy? Before surgery, diagnosing your joint complication begins with an office exam. If your physician suspects a joint injury or disease he/she will suggest taking X-rays, a MRI, or both. Arthroscopy allows for a decision to be made which is more accurate than a diagnosis through "open" surgery or from X-ray and MRI studies. Repair can then be done through the scope, and is less traumatic than "open" surgery. Your Care Team The members of your experienced, competent, and caring team include the following:
During Surgery Up to the first hour in surgery may be used to prepare you for the actual operation. You will begin in the prep area where an I.V. is started. The area to be operated on may then be shaved to remove excess hair. Any necessary pre-operation medications will be administered and you will be transported to the operating room on a cart. Introductions will be made to your care team and you will be asked a multitude of important questions including which joint is to be worked on. You are asked to write an ‘X’ on your skin to ensure the surgeon of where he/she is to perform. An anesthetic will then be administered. For a shoulder arthroscopy, a scaline block and general anesthetic will be given to you, which will help in post-operative pain relief. If you are having a knee arthroscopy performed, a general or spinal anesthetic will be given. An elbow arthroscopy involves the use of a general anesthetic. After you are asleep, a breathing tube will be inserted and you will be connected to a respirator. Two or three small incisions (about 3 mm each) will be made in which to place the arthroscope. The surgeon will then be able to access your entire joint, diagnose any problem, and perform corrective surgery when indicated. Specially designed arthroscopic instruments include a motorized shaving system, scissors, forceps, and a probe. These instruments allow for the evaluation and removal of any damaged or degenerated tissue.
After Surgery After arthroscopic surgery, the small incisions will be stitched closed and then covered with a dressing. Next, you will be moved from the operating room to a recovery room. Before being released, you will be given instructions about which activities you should avoid, and which exercises you should do in order to expedite your recovery and ensure proper joint function in the future. If reconstructive surgery was necessary, a more extensive rehabilitation program will be discussed with you. Post-operation prescriptions for pain control usually are written, although pain will most likely be minimal. The necessary recovery time will depend on the complexity of your joint complication. Persons having knee and elbow arthroscopies performed will go home the same day, while shoulder arthroscopies may require the patient to stay one night in the hospital. Depending on your comfort level, you may decide to utilize crutches for knee procedures. A sling may be used for elbow and shoulder arthroscopies for one to four weeks. What are the possible complications? Although rare, complications do occasionally occur during or following arthroscopy. Infection, excessive swelling, and blood clots are the most common complications, but occur in less than one percent of all arthroscopic procedures. |
