Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy (joint endoscopy) is a particularly gentle and joint-sparing surgical procedure. Joints do not need to be opened to repair damage, as was previously common.

A camera and special instruments are inserted into the joint through mini-incisions just a few millimeters long. This allows existing joint damage to be reliably identified and treated.

Arthroscopy, also known as joint endoscopy, is a gentle surgical procedure that protects the joint. Instead of completely opening the joint during surgery, a special camera, called an arthroscope, is used to examine the inside of the joint. To view the inside of the joint, a fiber optic cable powered by a light source is connected to the arthroscope. Light is thus projected through the arthroscope into the joint, similar to a flashlight attached to the tip of the arthroscope.

At the other end of the arthroscope is a small window through which one can view the joint. To obtain a better overview, however, a small video camera is usually attached to the arthroscope, and the image is magnified and projected onto a monitor. This provides the surgeon with a good view of the joint.

The rod camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision, often only about 0.5 cm long. To allow for a better view, the joint is filled with a sterile irrigating fluid. This is usually a saline solution. The rod camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision, often only about 0.5 cm long. To allow for a better view, the joint is filled with a sterile irrigating fluid. This is usually a saline solution.

Arthroscopy instruments are often only a few millimeters in size. The surgeon has a wide variety of different instruments at his or her disposal. In addition to a probe hook, which replaces the surgeon's hand in the joint, there are small scissors, forceps, and small knives. In addition to hand-operated instruments, there are also small motor-driven instruments such as shavers. Shaver instruments are comparable to small motor-driven burrs. The tissue to be comminuted is sucked in, comminuted by a small rotating knife, and then suctioned away.

In addition to the shaver attachment described above, there are also small bone burrs for removing obstructive bone protrusions or smoothing bone. This is particularly important during shoulder arthroscopy.

What advantages does arthroscopy offer over open surgery?

Minimally invasive arthroscopy often offers significant advantages over open surgical procedures.
In addition to the obvious reduction in scarring, the surgery places less strain on the body because the affected joint is operated on using several small incisions.

Many joint procedures can now be performed using arthroscopy, particularly on the knee, shoulder, elbow, and ankle.

Arthroscopy has already become a standard procedure for the knee and shoulder, replacing open surgical procedures. Meniscus and cruciate ligament repairs, in particular, are now performed almost exclusively arthroscopically.

However, not all operations can be performed arthroscopically. Bleeding, poor visibility, or cramped conditions still make open surgery necessary.

What complications can occur during arthroscopy?

As with any surgery, arthroscopies are not without risk, even if the risk is significantly reduced compared to open surgery.

In rare cases, bleeding or nerve injury may occur. However, nerve injuries usually only affect sensation, and only in a limited area. Postoperative sensory disturbances are often caused by tiny skin nerves being severed during the surgical incision. Fortunately, these sensory disturbances are only temporary.

Other risks include thrombosis and, less frequently, embolism. To minimize this risk, a blood-thinning medication (heparin or a similar drug) is administered after surgery.

The risk of infection is minimized by constant rinsing but can never be completely eliminated