Advanced Arthroscopic Care
Working to maintain healthy joints is an important part of overall wellness and quality of life, and healthful habits like regular exercise can help you keep your joints in good shape. That said, life happens. Our bodies naturally face the signs of aging, occasional injuries, and even the effects of disease – and sometimes these critical joints require care from an orthopaedic specialist.
What is Arthroscopy?
Issues with joints, like hips, knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows, and wrists, can sometimes be addressed through arthroscopy – a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat these problems. These procedures offer a minimally invasive way to treat a number of orthopaedic conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- ACL Tears
- Rotator Cuff Tears
- Recurring Shoulder Dislocation
- Shoulder Impingement
- Meniscal Tears in the Knee
- Chondromalacia
- Loose Bone or Cartilage in the Shoulder, Hip or Knee
- And more
There are three main categories of arthroscopy including shoulder, hip, and knee, and the course of treatment recommended will depend on the details and severity of the problem. Because every person and condition is different, an individualized treatment plan is created on a patient by patient basis.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
A variety of shoulder ailments and injuries may lead your orthopaedic surgeon to suggest arthroscopic shoulder surgery. Issues can occur within the ball and socket, the shoulder capsule, the rotator cuff, and the bursa, a lubricating sac between the rotator cuff and bone on the top of the shoulder that helps the tendons glide smoothly when you move your arm. If you have shoulder pain, inflammation, or stiffness from an injury or excessive wear and tear, arthroscopy could lead to pain relief.
Knee Arthroscopy
Much like issues of the shoulder, injuries and wear and tear of the knee joints can also be addressed through arthroscopy. The knee is a complex joint and issues such as a torn meniscus, misaligned kneecap, and other problems are ideal candidates for this type of procedure. Your orthopaedist can help properly diagnose and treat ailments of the knee through arthroscopy and get you on the road to recovery quickly.
Hip Arthroscopy
Much like knee and shoulder issues, ailments of the hip joint can also be treated through outpatient arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopy for the hip is not as widely available as treatments for the shoulder and knee. CSMO is leading the region with the latest surgical techniques like hip arthroscopy, which is often recommended when conservative methods are no longer sufficient for a patient’s hip pain. Our doctor, Benji Miller, M.D. is the Chattanooga and surrounding area’s most experienced surgeon offering this minimally invasive procedure.
What Does Arthroscopic Surgery Entail?
Arthroscopic surgeries are outpatient procedures, which means you’ll be able to go home that same day. During the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon will insert a tool known as an arthroscope into the affected joint through several small incisions to assess damage to that joint. They can also repair many injuries during arthroscopy. The tool itself is pencil thin and features a camera lens and light to allow your surgeon to see inside the joint to properly diagnose the issue and determine if further surgery or treatment is necessary.
What to Expect for Recovery
You’ll be able to go home to recover after your arthroscopic procedure, and your surgeon may prescribe pain medication to help with discomfort associated with the surgery. Ice in the first 24 hours can reduce swelling, and you may need to use crutches, a splint or a sling for support as your body heals. One great benefit of arthroscopy is that recovery generally takes significantly less time than open surgeries, and your doctor will give you specific instructions about how to achieve the smoothest recovery and optimal results from your procedure.
Work with CSMO
Are you ready to say “goodbye” to joint pain? Let our experienced team at CSMO help you get the relief you need and craft a treatment plan customized for your specific needs. Reach out to our helpful team today!
