Arthroscopy makes use of a camera for looking within the joint instead of using an incision to open it completely. This minimally invasive procedure allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose, treat, and repair a wide array of diseases and conditions that may cause mobility issues and pain in the joints. If you are suffering from shoulder, knee or ankles stiffness and pain, you should consider an arthroscopy surgery.
Thomas & Bigler Knee & 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 as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Knee Arthroscopy
This is among the most common types of surgical procedures performed by orthopedists. Arthroscopic repairs include:
- Torn posterior or anterior cruciate ligaments (PCL or ACL)
- Torn meniscus repair (cartilage between the knee bones)
- Fractures
- Dislocated knee cap (patella)
The surgeon will repair these problems by repositioning bones, inserting rivets or pins, and suturing after understanding the concern using arthroscopy.
In certain cases, tissue removal is necessary to get ideal results. Arthroscopy in such cases can be used for extracting the bone or tissue that may be causing pain by impinging on the movement. For instance:
- Baker’s cyst (also associated with arthritis)
- Loose cartilage bodies
- Inflamed or swollen synovium (joint lining)
Majority of knee arthroscopy surgical procedures can be completed within the hour as an outpatient procedure.
Steps Involved in Knee Arthroscopy
Steps involved include:
- The procedure will start with local anesthesia or general anesthesia.
- The surgeon will make tiny incisions in your knee.
- Salt water will be pumped for expanding the joint. This will create a space big enough for the surgeon to maneuver within the joint.
- An arthroscope will be inserted by the surgeon. Images from the joint will be projected on the monitor.
- The surgeon will insert small surgical tools of correcting the problem once it is located and analyzed.
- The surgeon will drain the saline from your knees after the surgery. They will close the incisions using stitches.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
These are the most common problems that can be treated using an arthroscopic shoulder surgery:
- Rotator cuff
- Impingement syndrome or restricted motion syndrome because of an acromion or the bone spur
- Inflamed tissue on top of the shoulder joint
- Ligament tear or a damaged coracoacromial ligament
- Torn labrum leading to shoulder instability (labrum is the cartilage that lines the shoulder joint)
- Bankart lesion (this labrum tear occurs on the lower part of the shoulder joint)
- SLAP lesion (this tear affects the ligament and labrum on top of the shoulder joint)
- Biceps tendon tears
- Inflammation in the lining of the joint or synovitis
- Arthritis of the collarbone (or clavicle arthritis)
Your surgeon may attempt to bring together the edges of the torn tendons together depending on your issue or injury. They will reattach the tendon using metal or plastic rivets, or sutures. Surgery may be required if the joint needs removing inflamed or damages tissue, cleaning out, or cutting the ligament.
Board certified 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 safe and proven orthopedic surgery procedures.
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