ARTROSCOPY IN ORTHOPEDICS

Arthroscopy is a surgical method used to diagnose and treat joint problems. Although it is commonly used in the evaluation of knee joints, it can also be used for hip, wrist, ankle and finger joints. Arthroscopy may be necessary to determine what the problem is, if there is arthritis, cartilage or connective tissue damage, pain or weakness in the joint. It can also be used to take tissue samples (biopsies) or to remove loose tissue, bone or cartilage fragments within the joint.

Arthroscopy can be performed to find the exact cause of pain, swelling and inflammation. Arthroscopy is also considered for cartilage tears, ligament strains and tears, cartilage deterioration underneath the kneecap and loss of stability of the joint. Arthritis can also cause thickening of the synovial membrane in the joints. This membrane can be easily removed using arthroscopy.

In arthroscopy technique, infection risk is lower than normal operations; surgery can be performed with small incisions and causes less skin problems. In addition, this procedure puts less strain on the joints and recovery time is shorter than open surgeries.

Arthroscopy takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. Arthroscopy is performed with a thin tube-like instrument with light at one end that is inserted into a joint. The surgeon monitors the surgery from a monitor that shows the inside of the joint and, if possible, repairs or removes any damaged parts during the procedure. Fluid may be used to wash the joints that are affected by the arthritis, and this method reduces the symptoms for few months. At the end of the procedure, the arthroscope and the instruments are removed from the joint, the incisions are covered with sterile gauze and the joint can be bandaged if necessary.

Recovery after arthroscopic surgery is much faster than open surgery, and the patient is usually discharged within 1 day. The incision points generally don’t hurt, but some swelling and discomfort may occur in the joint within a few weeks after the surgery. If the problem that should be treated is arthritis, this period may be longer. Depending on which joint is being examined, some splints, bandages or crutches to protect the joint. Many patients can return to work within a week, but if the work requires bending, lifting or carrying then the patients need more time to rest.

Arthroscopies that are performed for sport related injuries, patients have chance to return to sports. However, arthroscopy that is performed while arthritis is present can only temporarily improve symptoms. In cases involving the knee joint, arthroscopy can usually repair cartilage and connective tissue damage successfully.

Arthroscopy is usually a safe procedure and less risky than a normal surgery. However, as in all surgical operations, there may be some complications in arthroscopy. Arthroscopy related complications include damage to the joint and surrounding tissues, joint infection, intra-articular joint bleeding, and loss of sensation in the surrounding skin. Although, it is very rare, some unexpected reactions may occur to the anesthetic agent.

HIP REPLACEMENT

A surgeon removes injured sections of hip joint and replaces them with components that are usually constructed of metal, ceramic and very hard plastic during hip replacement surgery. This prosthesis, also called artificial joint, helps to decrease pain and improve function.

Conditions that can damage the hip joint include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteonecrosis

Patient with hip pain should consider hip replacement if the pain:

• Persistent despite pain medication
• Worsens with walking
• Interferes with sleep
• Makes it difficult to get dressed
• Affects ability to go up and down stairs
• Makes it difficult stand up

Orthopedic surgeon will ask some information about the patient’s current and past medical conditions. Also, doctor will examine the hip in order to determine the range of motion in the joint and the strength of surrounding muscles. Blood tests and X-ray examination might be asked if it is needed. In addition, bring a list of medications that patient is taking or have taken recently. Also, doctor will explain the various options of the procedure and answer questions to ease concerns. Depending on the doctor’s recommendation the patient may have some eating, drinking and medication restrictions before the surgery.

After the surgery, the patient will have a follow up consultation with the orthopedist in order to make sure the hip is healing properly. Few months after the surgery, if the healing is well, patients can resume at least some version of their normal activities.

KNEE REPLACEMENT

Knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure that can help to relieve pain while restoring the function in severely diseased knee joints. The operation is done by cutting away damaged, worn or diseased knee and replacing it with a prosthesis which also called artificial joint.

Orthopedic surgeon examines and assesses knee’s range of motion, stability and strength in order to determine whether the patient is a candidate to have a knee replacement surgery. Age, weight, activity level, knee size and shape as well as overall health can change the type of prostheses and surgical techniques. Three to six weeks after the surgery, patients can resume most daily activities.