Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat a variety of joint problems, most commonly in the knee, shoulder, and ankle. At Premier Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Karsch treats patients with joint issues. With office in Tucker, GA , Dr. Karsch serves patients in the Greater Atlanta communities.

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What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used for diagnosing and treating joint problems. A surgeon will insert a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision in the area of the joint. The camera is used to view inside the joint. Images from the camera are transmitted to a high-definition video monitor. This allows the surgeon to see inside your joint without making a large incision. Arthroscopy can even repair some types of joint damage during as pencil-thin surgical instruments are inserted through additional small incisions.

Why Is It Done?

Doctors use arthroscopy to help diagnose and treat a variety of conditions of many non-inflammatory, inflammatory, and infectious types of arthritis as well as various injuries within the joint most commonly those affecting the:

  • Knee
  • Elbow
  • Ankle
  • Shoulder
  • Hip
  • Wrist

Doctors often use arthroscopy if X-rays and other imaging studies are inconclusive or when an arthroscopy is required when performing a surgical procedure.

Conditions treated with arthroscopy include:

  • Loose bone fragments
  • Damaged or torn cartilage
  • Inflamed joint linings
  • Joint infections
  • Torn ligaments
  • Scarring within joints

What Are The Results?

Arthroscopic surgery usually takes anywhere from thirty minutes to an hour. Recovery will involve:

  • Medications – to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • R.I.C.E. – rest, ice, compress and elevate the joint for several days to reduce swelling and pain.
  • Protection – You might need to use temporary splints to immobilize the joint.
  • Exercises – physical therapy and rehabilitation to help strengthen your muscles and improve the function of your joint.

You should be able to resume normal activity in about four weeks. However, certain situations may dictate a longer recovery period and rehabilitation. The goal of arthroscopy is to recover stability, range of motion, and strength of the joint rapidly and safely while preventing the build-up of scar tissue. Contact the office to learn more about how arthroscopy can help you with various joint issues.