Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is an advanced, minimally invasive technique used to perform surgery of the joints such as the hip, knee, and shoulder. The orthopedic surgeon examines and treats the damage in such areas using an instrument called an arthroscope.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
The shoulder is an area that may undergo significant damage as a result of wear and tear due to age, injury or overuse. Shoulder arthroscopy is used to treatment different conditions that cause pain and damage of the articular cartilage, the labrum and rotator cuff tendons. This technique is also used to treat conditions affecting the soft tissues around the shoulder joint.
Some of the usual shoulder arthroscopic procedures are:
- Removal of bone spurs, loose cartilage, or inflamed tissue
- Repair or removal of the labrum
- Repair of ligaments, rotator cuff, and recurring shoulder dislocation
Other, less common uses of arthroscopy are:
- Nerve release
- Excision of cysts
- Fracture repair
Shoulder replacement, however, cannot be performed using arthroscopy.
Shoulder Arthroscopy Procedure
The first step is injection of a fluid into the shoulder in order to inflate the joint. Next, the surgeon makes a tiny, buttonhole-sized incision in the shoulder through which they insert the arthroscope. The inflation caused by the injection makes it easier for the surgeon to view the structures in the area with greater clarity through the arthroscope.
A continuous flow of fluid through the arthroscope ensures a clear view and also helps in control of any bleeding that may occur. The arthroscope images get projected on a video screen and the surgeon is able to view the actual condition of the patient’s shoulder.
Knee Arthroscopy
Knee arthroscopy is used to deal with conditions that cause damage of the cartilage and other soft tissues around the knee joint. These include:
- Removal of loose cartilage or bone fragments or inflamed synovial tissue
- Repair or removal of a torn meniscus
- Reconstruction of damaged anterior cruciate ligament
- Treatment of patella (kneecap) problem and knee sepsis (infection)
- Articular cartilage trimming
Knee Arthroscopy Procedure
The surgeon inserts the arthroscope into the knee joint and it begins to relay the images from there through a video monitor. Using this view, the surgeon guides miniature surgical instruments to the area to carry out the necessary treatment. As the tools and arthrosocope too are very thin, only a tiny incision has to be made. This is beneficial because patients experience less pain and joint stiffness and recover faster from the procedure.
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy uses the arthroscope to view and perform surgery for damage of the hip joint. It precludes the need for major incisions as in conventional hip surgery. Using the view projected by the arthroscope on a video monitor, the surgeon uses tiny surgical tools to perform the surgery in a minimally invasive manner.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
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Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada.