What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses tiny incisions to diagnose and treat injuries of the joints, including knees and shoulders. The technique relies on a tiny camera inserted through an incision to provide clear pictures of the area that are viewed on a television-type screen. The doctor is able to see the area, diagnose problems and perform corrective procedures without the need for large incisions. Since it's minimally invasive, patients tend to heal much more quickly and the risk of complications is reduced.
How is arthroscopy used?
Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide number of conditions, including:
Will I be awake during the procedure?
You'll be asleep during your arthroscopy procedure. Depending on the location and extent of your procedure, you may be sedated with a spinal block in place or you may be placed under general anesthesia.
What happens during the procedure?
Once you've been sedated or anesthetized and the incision sites have been prepared and sterilized, Dr. Tyorkin will make incisions near the joint and insert a thin, flexible tube called a cannula. A tiny camera is mounted on the end of the cannula to enable him to see the joint and the area around the joint. Once Dr. Tyorkin is able to visualize the problem, he'll use the same tiny incisions to insert specially-designed instruments to perform the corrective procedure.
Will I need to be hospitalized?
That depends on the extent of the treatment that is being performed. Many patients can return home within a few hours of their procedures, while others may need to remain in the hospital for a day or two.
