Arthroscopic Surgery - Benefits Of Arthroscopic Surgery, Development Of The Procedure, The Operation, Types Of Arthroscopic Surgery
arthroscope surgeon joint view
Arthroscopic surgery is a type of orthopedic surgery that utilizes an instrument called an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a small fiber-optic device that allows the surgeon to view the inside of a joint without a large incision. Most arthroscopic surgery can be performed requiring only three small incisions, each about 0.25 in (6 mm) long. These incisions are called portals. The word arthroscope is from the Greek words meaning "to look at joints." The arthroscope is made up of a lens and a light source, and is connected to a video camera. The surgeon can view the inside of the joint directly through the arthroscope, or an image may be displayed on a video screen. This image gives the surgeon a clear view of the tissue inside the joint. The surgeon can then use other tiny instruments (on the order of only one-eighth of an inch, or 3–4 mm, in diameter) to perform necessary procedures. Arthroscopic surgery can be used as a diagnosis tool, or for corrective procedures ranging from easing the pain of arthritis patients to mending torn ligaments.
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Arthroscopic procedures are relatively simple. Before knee, ankle, or hip surgery, a patient may want to practice walking on crutches to make the post-operative recovery more comfortable. Fasting is usually required before the procedure because of the use of anesthetics. Anesthesia is usually local, although in more complicated surgeries general anesthesia can be given. A spinal anesthesia or epid…
Arthroscopy can be used for many different procedures. It can be used in the knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, wrist, or elbow. Diagnoses made with arthroscopes are significantly more accurate than those made based on symptoms alone. One common type of arthroscopic surgery is a meniscectomy, the removal of torn cartilage in the knee. Other common procedures in the knee include the repair of torn cartila…
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