Arthroscopic Orthopedic Surgery

The concept of arthroscopic orthopedic surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is a surgical procedure in which the doctor uses a small camera (endoscope) and precise surgical tools through very small incisions in the skin, so that the inside of the joint or bone can be seen through a video screen. This technique allows the surgeon to clearly see the affected areas and perform treatment without the need for large incisions, which reduces pain and swelling and shortens the recovery period.

Types of injuries treated with arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is used to treat many bone and joint conditions that may require surgical intervention, including:

Teared meniscus: One of the most common treatments using arthroscopy is a torn meniscus, where the surgeon can insert the arthroscopy into the joint to locate the tear and repair it using small tools.

Teared ligaments: In cases of torn ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, the arthroscopy can be used to assess the injury and perform the necessary surgery to reconstruct the ligament.

Bone fractures: In some cases, the arthroscopy can be used to stabilize bone fractures that are difficult to reach with traditional surgery.

Arthritis: Arthroscopy is also used to diagnose and treat joint inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the arthroscopy is inserted to remove inflamed tissue and clean the joint.

Removal of damaged tissue: In some cases where previous injuries or chronic diseases cause damaged tissue to accumulate inside the joints, the arthroscopy can be used to remove this tissue.

Advantages of arthroscopic bone surgery

The most prominent advantages of arthroscopic bone surgery are:

Reducing the size of the incisions: Arthroscopic surgery is characterized by opening very small incisions compared to traditional surgery, which reduces damage to surrounding tissues.

Reducing pain and swelling: Due to the small size of the incisions, the pain and swelling that the patient experiences after the operation is less, which reduces the need for painkillers.

Faster recovery: Thanks to the less severe surgical intervention, patients can recover faster and return to their daily lives faster.

Fewer risks: Since the endoscope uses precise tools and a camera to see inside the body, the risk of complications is lower compared to traditional surgery.

High accuracy: The endoscope allows the surgeon to see clearly and accurately the internal parts of the joint or bone, which helps in making better and more accurate treatment decisions.

Stages of arthroscopic bone surgery

Arthroscopic bone surgery goes through several main stages, which are:

Anesthesia: The patient is fully or partially anesthetized depending on the type of surgery and the location of the injury.
Arthroscopic insertion: Small incisions are made in the skin, and then the endoscope and special surgical instruments are inserted through them.

Diagnosis and treatment of the injury: Using the camera in the endoscope, the surgeon accurately diagnoses the condition and then performs the appropriate treatment, whether it is removing damaged tissue or repairing the ligament or cartilage.

Closing the incisions: After the treatment is completed, the surgical instruments and sutures are removed to close the incisions.

Possible side effects and complications

Although arthroscopic bone surgery is considered less invasive than traditional surgery, it may cause some minor complications, such as:

• Infection at the incision site.
• Mild bleeding.
• Pain or swelling after the operation.
• However, complications remain rare and recovery depends on the patient's response to treatment and medical instructions.

Conclusion

Arthroscopic bone surgery represents an important development in the treatment of bone and joint injuries, as it provides accurate and effective treatment with minimal surgical intervention. Thanks to this modern technology, it is now possible to treat many injuries that previously required complex surgery, enhancing the quality of life of patients and giving them the opportunity to recover faster and safer.