What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery compared to traditional open surgery?

Opting for a minimally invasive approach such as arthroscopic surgery over traditional open surgery offers a range of advantages:

Enhanced Visualization and Treatment: Arthroscopic techniques provide surgeons with improved visualization of joint structures, allowing for more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment of joint problems.

Minimal Incisions: Arthroscopic procedures involve making small incisions, reducing scarring and promoting faster healing compared to larger incisions required in open surgery.

Reduced Pain: Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption associated with arthroscopic surgery generally result in less postoperative pain compared to open surgery.

Decreased Chance of Infection: The smaller incisions and reduced exposure of internal tissues during arthroscopic surgery contribute to a lower risk of postoperative infection compared to open procedures.

Lower Risk of Complications: With smaller incisions and less tissue trauma, arthroscopic surgery typically carries a lower risk of complications such as excessive bleeding or nerve damage.

Shorter Recovery Time: Patients undergoing arthroscopic surgery often experience shorter recovery times due to minimal tissue disruption, allowing them to return to normal activities sooner.

Additionally, arthroscopic surgeries are often performed on an outpatient basis, enabling patients to return home within a few hours after the procedure.

When is arthroscopic surgery necessary?

If you're experiencing joint pain or dysfunction, your physician at Hands-On Orthopedics & Injury Center will initiate the diagnostic process by thoroughly reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and conducting a physical examination. While imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs provide detailed images of the joints, sometimes direct visualization of the joint tissues is necessary for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Arthroscopic surgery is commonly utilized to diagnose and treat conditions affecting six major joints:

Hip: Addressing issues such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, and hip joint infections.

Shoulder: Treating conditions like rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and recurrent dislocations.

Knee: Managing meniscus tears, cartilage damage, ACL injuries, and synovitis.

Ankle: Resolving problems like sprains, ligament tears, and cartilage damage.

Elbow: Addressing conditions such as lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and arthritis.

Wrist: Treating issues like carpal tunnel syndrome and ligament tears.

Arthroscopic surgery is often the preferred method for repairing tendons and ligaments, as well as removing loose bone or cartilage fragments from the joint.

For those seeking advanced diagnosis and treatment, possibly including arthroscopic surgery, contacting Hands-On Orthopedics & Injury Center or scheduling an appointment online is recommended.

New patients, call us at 727-645-0925 or 813-945-2663

Existing patients can click here to find an appointment time that works for you.