Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat a variety of joint-related conditions. Common conditions treated with arthroscopic surgery include:
- Meniscus Tears: The meniscus is a cartilage in the knee that can tear due to injury or wear and tear. Arthroscopy can trim or repair the torn meniscus.
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Tears: ACL tears are common knee injuries, especially among athletes. Arthroscopic surgery is often used to reconstruct the torn ACL using graft tissue.
- Rotator Cuff Tears: Tears in the rotator cuff tendons of the shoulder can cause pain and limited mobility. Arthroscopic procedures can repair these tears.
- Labral Tears: The labrum is a rim of cartilage in the shoulder or hip socket. Tears in the labrum can lead to instability and discomfort, and arthroscopic surgery can be used to repair it.
- Synovitis: Synovitis is inflammation of the joint lining (synovium). Arthroscopy can be used to remove inflamed tissue and provide relief from symptoms.
- Cartilage Damage: Arthroscopic procedures can address damaged articular cartilage, which can result from injury or degeneration. Techniques like microfracture or cartilage grafting may be employed.
- Loose Bodies: Small pieces of cartilage or bone can break off and float within the joint, causing pain and reduced range of motion. Arthroscopy allows for the removal of these loose bodies.
- Impingement Syndrome: In conditions like subacromial impingement (shoulder) or femoroacetabular impingement (hip), arthroscopy can be used to reshape bone or remove impinging tissue.
- Tendonitis and Bursitis: Chronic inflammation of tendons (tendonitis) or bursae (bursitis) can be addressed through arthroscopic procedures to relieve pain and inflammation.
- Joint Infections: In some cases of joint infection, arthroscopic surgery may be necessary to clean and treat the infected area.
- Joint Stiffness: Arthroscopic release procedures can help address joint stiffness and improve range of motion.
- Osteoarthritis: While not a cure for osteoarthritis, arthroscopic debridement (removal of damaged tissue) may provide relief in some cases.
- Fractures: Some fractures near or within joints may be treated with arthroscopic techniques to realign and stabilize the bone fragments.
- Carpal Tunnel Release: In cases of carpal tunnel syndrome, arthroscopy can be used to release pressure on the median nerve within the wrist.
- Ankle and Elbow Conditions: Arthroscopy is used to treat various conditions in the ankle and elbow joints, including ligament tears, loose bodies, and cartilage injuries.
These are some of the common conditions treated with arthroscopic surgery, but the specific treatment plan will depend on the individual’s diagnosis, the joint involved, and the severity of the condition. Arthroscopy offers the advantage of less tissue disruption, smaller incisions, and potentially quicker recovery times compared to traditional open surgery.
For more details, consult Dr. Kunal Shah one of the best Orthopedic Doctor in Borivali West.
What are the common conditions treated with arthroscopic surgery?