Arthroscopic Procedures

Arthroscopy is a less invasive sports surgery procedure, utilizing a camera and small tools to work inside of a joint. It usually involves 3-4 small portal incisions into the joint, rather than one large incision. The actual joint is not exposed to the outside world.

Utilizing the arthroscope and small tools, your surgeon performs the procedure inside the joint while looking through a camera or view screen. Arthroscopic procedures have become very common, and are often done as an outpatient procedure.

Advantages

• Smaller incisiions and smaller scars
• less chance for infection
• less pain after surgery
• quicker initial recovery

Disadvantages:

• Weaker repair (depending on the tissues)
• Requires greater surgical skill
• Possible nerve damage due to use of tourniquet

The most common arthroscopic sports injury surgery procedures include meniscus repairs and meniscectomies, articular cartilage surgery, patella lateral release, labral repairs, and some rotator cuff repairs.

Whether your injury requires an open or arthroscopic procedure is dependent upon:

• Type of injury
• Amount of damage
• Location of the injured tissues
• Surgeons skill level
• Type of procedure

Based on the type of injury you have, clinical and diagnostic testing, and your surgeons preference will determine if you require an open or arthroscopic procedure.

Some procedures cannot be performed arthroscopically, such as ligament reconstructions and fracture repairs. Other injuries can be treated with either arthroscopy or open procedures, and will depend on your surgeon's preference and experience as to which is used.