Arthroscopy

Arthroscopic surgery has become the most common procedure performed by the orthopaedic and sports medicine surgeon. This has now become the standard or care for treatment of torn cartilage and loose bodies within the knee, ankle and elbow.

Arthroscopic instruments have been developed which allow for minimal resection of torn cartilage. The capability is also available for repair of certain tears which are amendable to healing. Bio-absorbable sutures or fixation staples can be placed inside the knee re-approximating torn cartilage thus facilitating healing. Similar procedures are used to repair torn ligaments.

The arthroscope actually allows for better visualization as it can be placed into the recesses of the joints with much greater ease, then they can be reached through an open surgical incision.

Rehabilitation time is significantly shortened as there is minimal disruption of normal structures. Often physical therapy can be implemented on the following first post-operative day. Return of function is accelerated as post-operative swelling and pain are usually substantially less than with older surgical methods. It is not uncommon for an athlete to undergo surgery at the beginning of a season for a torn cartilage and return two or three weeks later and resume athletic activities.