Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems. It involves inserting a small, fiber-optic camera called an arthroscope into a joint through a small incision. The camera transmits images to a monitor, allowing the surgeon to view the joint structures in detail and perform necessary surgical repairs using specialized instruments.

Arthroscopy is commonly performed to diagnose and treat various joint conditions, such as:

  • Ligament injuries (e.g., ACL tears in the knee)
  • Cartilage damage (e.g., meniscus tears)
  • Inflammation (e.g., synovitis)
  • Loose bone or cartilage fragments
  • Joint infections
  • Arthritis-related issues

Common Joints for Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy can be performed on many joints, including:

  • Knee (most common)
  • Shoulder
  • Hip
  • Elbow
  • Wrist
  • Ankle

Procedure Steps

  • Anesthesia: The patient receives general, regional, or local anesthesia.
  • Incision: A small incision (about 5mm) is made near the affected joint.
  • Insertion of Arthroscope: A camera is inserted to provide a clear view of the joint interior.
  • Treatment: If needed, small surgical instruments are inserted through additional incisions to repair damage.
  • Closure: The incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips.
  • Recovery: The patient is monitored and discharged the same day in most cases.

Advantages of Arthroscopy

  • Minimally invasive (small incisions, less tissue damage)
  • Faster recovery compared to open surgery
  • Reduced pain and swelling
  • Lower risk of complications
  • Shorter hospital stay (often outpatient)

Risks and Complications

Though generally safe, arthroscopy may have some risks, including:

  • Infection
  • Bleeding or blood clots
  • Swelling or stiffness
  • Nerve or vessel damage (rare)
  • Recurrence of symptoms

Recovery and Rehabilitation

  • Patients can usually return to normal activities in a few weeks to months, depending on the procedure.
  • Physical therapy is often recommended to restore strength and mobility.
  • Pain management includes medications, ice therapy, and rest.

Why an arthroscopy is performed?

Arthroscopy is performed for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, helping surgeons examine, diagnose, and treat various joint problems. Below is a detailed explanation of its main purposes:

Diagnostic Purpose

Evaluating Unexplained Joint Pain

  • When imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, or CT scans) fail to identify the exact cause of persistent joint pain, arthroscopy provides a direct visual examination of the joint.
  • It allows the surgeon to inspect cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and synovium for hidden injuries or degenerative changes.

Assessing Joint Injuries

  • It helps in evaluating sports injuries, trauma, or work-related injuries, such as ligament tears, cartilage damage, or fractures inside the joint.
  • Used to confirm diagnoses like anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, rotator cuff tears, or meniscus injuries.

Detecting and Examining Joint Diseases

  • Arthroscopy helps in identifying inflammatory joint diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or infectious arthritis.
  • Surgeons can take tissue biopsies (synovial biopsy) to analyze for infections, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic disorders like gout.

Therapeutic Purpose (Treatment of Joint Disorders)

Once the surgeon identifies the problem inside the joint, arthroscopy can also be used to treat it in the same session using small surgical instruments. Below are common therapeutic applications:

Repairing or Removing Torn Cartilage (Meniscus Tears in Knee)

  • Meniscus tears (common knee injury) can be trimmed (meniscectomy) or stitched back together (meniscus repair) using arthroscopy.
  • Helps in preventing further joint damage and restoring knee function.

Repairing or Removing Torn Cartilage (Meniscus Tears in Knee)

  • Meniscus tears (common knee injury) can be trimmed (meniscectomy) or stitched back together (meniscus repair) using arthroscopy.
  • Helps in preventing further joint damage and restoring knee function.

Repairing Ligaments and Tendons

  • Used to reconstruct torn ligaments (e.g., ACL in the knee, rotator cuff in the shoulder).
  • Can help in reattaching tendons in the shoulder, elbow, or knee.

Removing Loose Bone or Cartilage Fragments

  • Loose bodies (small pieces of bone or cartilage) floating inside the joint can cause pain and locking. Arthroscopy is used to remove them.
  • Common in osteoarthritis, fractures, or previous injuries.

Treating Joint Inflammation (Synovitis Removal)

  • Chronic inflammation of the synovial membrane (synovitis) seen in rheumatoid arthritis or reactive arthritis can be treated by removing inflamed tissue (synovectomy).

Treating Shoulder Dislocations (Labrum Repair or Bankart Repair)

  • In recurrent shoulder dislocations, arthroscopy is used to repair the damaged labrum (cartilage ring around the shoulder joint).
  • The Bankart procedure is performed to stabilize the shoulder joint.

Treating Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement – FAI)

  • Arthroscopy helps in reshaping abnormal bone growth around the hip joint, preventing early arthritis and improving mobility.

Removing Scar Tissue or Bone Spurs

  • Used to clean out excessive scar tissue after injury or surgery.
  • Bone spurs (osteophytes) in osteoarthritis can be removed to reduce pain and improve movement.

Draining or Cleaning Out Joint Infections

  • In cases of septic arthritis (bacterial joint infection), arthroscopy can be used to flush out pus and infected tissues.

Treating Bursitis (Inflamed Bursa Removal)

  • Bursa (fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction) can become inflamed (bursitis) and cause pain, often in the knee, shoulder, or hip.
  • Arthroscopy can be used to remove the inflamed bursa.

Post-Surgical Evaluation

  • Sometimes, after joint replacement or previous surgery, arthroscopy is used to check for complications, such as improper healing or loosening of implants.

Why Arthroscopy is Better than Open Surgery

Minimally Invasive Procedure

  • Small incisions (usually 5mm-10mm) compared to large cuts in open surgery.
  • Less disruption of muscles and soft tissues, leading to a smoother recovery.
  • Patients experience less trauma to surrounding structures.

Why It Matters?

  • Less tissue damage → Faster healing
  • Smaller scars → Better cosmetic results
  • Reduced hospital stay

Faster Recovery Time

  • Because arthroscopy involves smaller incisions and less tissue damage, patients recover faster than with open surgery.
  • Many patients resume daily activities within a few days to weeks, depending on the procedure.

Reduced Pain and Discomfort

  • Smaller incisions mean less pain compared to open surgery.
  • Less muscle cutting leads to lower post-operative discomfort.
  • Arthroscopy reduces inflammation by removing damaged tissues or debris inside the joint.

Lower Risk of Complications

Compared to open surgery, arthroscopy has a lower risk of complications, such as:

  • Infections – Smaller incisions reduce exposure to bacteria.
  • Blood loss – Minimal bleeding compared to open surgery.
  • Blood clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis – DVT) – Less immobilization means a lower risk of clot formation.
  • Nerve and tissue damage – Precision instruments reduce the chance of accidental damage.

Outpatient Procedure (Same-Day Surgery)

  • Most arthroscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, meaning patients go home the same day.
  • No need for prolonged hospital stays, reducing the risk of hospital-acquired infections.

Accurate Diagnosis and Targeted Treatment

  • Arthroscopy provides a direct view inside the joint, making it more accurate than X-rays or MRIs for diagnosing joint problems.
  • The surgeon can identify hidden joint damage and treat it immediately.

Example:

  • MRI may miss a small meniscus tear in the knee, but arthroscopy allows the surgeon to see it directly and repair it on the spot.

Less Scarring & Improved Cosmetic Outcomes

  • Small incisions (usually 2-3 keyholes) result in minimal scarring.
  • In open surgery, scars can be several inches long, while in arthroscopy, scars are typically less than 1cm.

Early Return to Sports and Physical Activities

  • Many athletes and physically active individuals prefer arthroscopy because it allows a quicker return to training.
  • ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, and rotator cuff repair are commonly done arthroscopically to ensure a fast and effective recovery.

Suitable for a Wide Range of Joint Conditions

Arthroscopy can be used for both diagnosis and treatment in various joints, including:

  • Knee (meniscus tears, ACL injuries, arthritis)
  • Shoulder (rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, labral tears)
  • Hip (femoroacetabular impingement, labral tears, loose bodies)
  • Ankle (instability, cartilage damage, arthritis)
  • Elbow & Wrist (tennis elbow, TFCC tears, loose bodies)

Lower Healthcare Costs Compared to Open Surgery

  • Fewer hospital admissions → Lower hospital bills.
  • Less need for pain medications → Reduced pharmacy expenses.
  • Faster return to work → Less income loss due to medical leave.

Arthroscopy Manufacturer and Exporter in India

HEMC, a renowned manufacturer and exporter of arthroscopy equipment, stands at the forefront of the medical industry in India. With a strong commitment to excellence and innovation, HEMC has successfully established itself as a trusted name in the field. The company specializes in manufacturing a wide range of high-quality arthroscopic instruments, locking plates and screws, Hip Prosthesis, Spine Implants, Nails, External fixators, etc. ensuring that healthcare providers have access to reliable and innovative orthopaedic solutions.

HEMC is recognized for its commitment to producing high-quality orthopaedic implants. As one of the leading manufacturers and exporters in India, HEMC employs stringent quality control measures and adheres to international standards in the manufacturing process. The company offers a diverse range of implants, including:

 

– Locking plates and screws

– Interlocking nails

– Prostheses

– Hip implants

– External fixators

– Spine Implants

– Large and small fragment implants

– Maxillofacial Implants

– Cannulated screws

– Arthroscopy tools