Introduction of Arthroscopic Surgery Singapore
Arthroscopic surgery is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to diagnose and treat problems in joints. The word “arthroscopy” comes from two Greek words: ‘arthro,’ meaning “joint,” and ‘scope,’ meaning “look.” Simply put, arthroscopic surgery is a means to look inside a joint.
By attaching the arthroscope to a miniature television camera, the surgeon is able to see the interior of the joint through this very small incision rather than a large incision needed for surgery.
Why is arthroscopic Surgery Singapore done?
Doctors use arthroscopy to help diagnose and treat a variety of joint conditions, most commonly those affecting the:
Knee ,Shoulder, Elbow, Ankle, Hip, Wrist
Diagnostic procedures
Doctors often turn to arthroscopy if X-rays and other imaging studies have left some diagnostic questions unanswered.
Surgical procedures
Conditions treated with arthroscopy include: Bone spurs or loose bone fragments, Damaged or torn cartilage, Inflamed joint linings, Joint infections, Torn ligaments and tendons, Scarring or tissue overgrowth within joints.
How is arthroscopic surgery Singapore performed?
According to our senior orthopaedic specialist, when an arthroscopy is performed, a camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision (about one centimeter). The arthroscopic surgery camera is attached to a fiberoptic light source and shows a picture of the inside of the joint on a television monitor. The surgeon uses fluid pumped through the joint to aid in visibility and clear debris from the joint. One or more other incisions are made to insert instruments that can treat a variety of conditions. For example, a shaver can be inserted to trim torn cartilage from a joint.
Arthroscopic Surgery Singapore
Is Arthroscopy Surgery Singapore safe?
Complications, though uncommon, may include:
Tissue damage. The placement and movement of the instruments within the joint can damage the joint’s structures, blood vessels or nerves.
Blood clots. Procedures that last longer than an hour can increase the risk of blood clots developing in your legs.
Infection. Any type of invasive surgery carries a risk of infection.
Arthroscopic surgery is a “less invasive” procedure, and when performed for the right problem it is often very successful.
Arthroscopes are approximately 5 mm in diameter, so the incisions are very small (approximately 1/8 inch). Arthroscopy is much less traumatic to the muscles, ligaments, and tissues than the traditional method of performing “open” surgery with long incisions (arthrotomy).
What is the prognosis after surgery?
The prognosis depends entirely upon what was found and what was done at the time of surgery. With proper physio and conditioning most patients return to active sports and daily activities.
In general, you should be able to resume desk work and light activity in a week, and more strenuous activity in about four weeks. Remember, however, that your situation may dictate a longer recovery period, along with rehabilitation.