Arthroscopy

What is arthroscopy?

An arthroscopy is an ideal way for your surgeon to view the inside of your joint and operate, if necessary, using pencil-thin surgical instruments through smaller incisions while avoiding large incisions and more invasive surgery. The South Bay Orthopedic team specialize in knee and shoulder arthroscopies to diagnose and treat a variety of joint problems.

What conditions are treated with arthroscopy?

The South Bay doctors use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a number of issues pertaining to the knee and shoulder, including:

• Joint scarring
• Inflamed joints
• Torn ligaments
• Joint infections
• Loose bone fragments
• Damaged or torn cartilage

How is an arthroscopy performed?

During an arthroscopy, your South Bay surgeon inserts a slender tube with a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision about the size of a buttonhole. This camera transmits images of the inside of your joint to a high-definition video monitor.

How do I prepare for an arthroscopy?

Your South Bay provider gives you plenty of valuable information to help you prepare for your arthroscopy. During an evaluation of your medical history, they can help you determine which medications to avoid that might increase your risk of bleeding.

On the day of your arthroscopy, you should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you to dress more easily when it’s complete. Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you might also need to fast for a short period before your procedure — typically around eight hours.

You should arrange for someone to drive you home, since you won’t be able to drive yourself.

What are the benefits of arthroscopy?

With high-definition video imaging and advanced surgical tools, modern arthroscopic procedures allow your South Bay provider more precision and diligence than ever before. An arthroscopy is less invasive than traditional methods of surgical diagnosis and treatment. It’s also quicker and more effective.

An arthroscopy is an in-office, outpatient procedure that takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours. Following your procedure, you wait in a recovery room, typically for a few hours, until your South Bay provider is satisfied that you’re ready to return home.

If you have a knee or shoulder joint complication, visit your South Bay provider for quality, compassionate care. Call or book an appointment online today.