Arthroscopic Surgery Specialist

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopy is a way to diagnose and treat problems inside joints. An arthroscope is a pencil-sized tubular tool that has a tiny camera lens and light. When placed through a small incision, down into the joint, the arthroscope relays live images of your joint to a high-definition monitor.

Your Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine surgeon watches the monitor while exploring your joint and determines the source of chronic pain, stiffness, swelling, and movement issues. In some cases, arthroscopy is entirely diagnostic, but usually, you have surgery immediately during the same procedure.

For arthroscopic surgery, you have one or two more small incisions near the first. Your surgeon can then insert very thin surgical tools to perform any kind of surgical correction you need. That may include removal of loose or damaged tissue, reconnection of torn tissue, and other types of repairs.

When might I need arthroscopic surgery?

You might need arthroscopic surgery if you have shoulder or knee problems: 

Shoulder problems

Some shoulder problems that may require arthroscopic surgery include rotator cuff tears, labrum tears, recurrent dislocations, impingement, or other issues affecting soft tissues.

Knee problems

Knee problems that may require arthroscopic surgery include anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, meniscus tears, and other ligament, tendon, and cartilage injuries. 

In general, the Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine team recommends non-surgical care like physical therapy as the first approach for sports injuries, work injuries, and other types of knee and shoulder damage. But, if your pain, swelling, and stiffness don't improve with non-surgical treatments, you may need arthroscopic surgery.

What are the advantages of arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery uses very small incisions, which offer many benefits, including:

• Minimal bleeding
• Minimal soft tissue trauma
• Lower infection risk
• Less scarring
• Less pain
• Faster recovery

While arthroscopic surgery is an ideal approach for many problems in the knees and shoulders, a different minimally invasive approach might be best for other types of surgery.  For example, you might qualify for minimally invasive joint replacement surgery. 

Arthroscopic surgery can restore your knee or shoulder and help you get back to your favorite activities. Book your appointment by calling the Oakland Orthopedics and Sports Medicine office or schedule a consultation online now.