Physicians at Advanced Orthopedics perform minimally invasive, arthroscopic surgery using small cameras equipped with fiber-optic light technology to view damaged joints on a monitor screen. Inserted through a tiny incision in the skin that is less than one centimeter in size, these cameras allow arthroscopic surgeons to trim torn knee meniscus, repair rotator cuff injuries, treat bursitis of the shoulder and restore functioning of damaged knee cartilage . During the procedure, special fluid is pumped into the joint area to enhance visibility while clearing away any unnecessary tissue debris.
Advantages to arthroscopic surgery include:
- Reduced recovery time (many of these procedures are performed as out-patient surgery)
- In some cases, patients may only need a local anesthetic instead of general anesthetic
- Thirty minutes is the average time it takes to complete most arthroscopic knee surgeries
- Pain is minimal following surgery, with most patients requiring only ibuprofen instead of prescription pain medication to alleviate any discomfort
Arthroscopic surgery dramatically reduces joint tissue trauma and is conducive to the restoration of optimal muscle functioning. It is also utilized as a diagnostic tool to determine the cause of joint stiffness and pain or the extent of damage to joint ligaments.
