Arthroscopic Surgery
For severe injuries and those that don’t respond to other interventions, we may recommend surgery to repair your problem/condition. At the Westfield Orthopedic Group, Dr. Shaw, Dr. Krell and Dr. Choi are experts, capable of performing a variety of surgical procedures, which includes arthroscopic surgeries.
Arthroscopic surgery is an approach commonly used for orthopedic procedures in which small incisions and a magnified camera allow a surgeon to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. This means there is less harm to the structures within the joint compared to a normal—or open—surgery, which requires a larger incision to access the joint. Arthroscopic surgery is considered to be “minimally-invasive,” and it comes with several other benefits for the patient over open surgery. These include the following:
- Reduced pain: less collateral damage to the skin, tissues, muscles, and other structures from smaller incisions equates to less overall pain
- Faster recovery: the recovery process can begin much quicker and often requires less time for the patient to return to full strength
- Better visualization: the camera used in arthroscopic procedures gives the surgeon a magnified view of the entire joint so the damage can be more accurately assessed
- Lower costs: patients typically spend less on arthroscopic procedures than open surgeries
Shoulders and knees are ideal joints for arthroscopy
In a typical arthroscopic exam, the orthopedic surgeon will first make a very small incision in the skin and insert a pencil-sized instrument into the joint that contains a camera and lighting system. The camera projects the image onto a screen, which allows the surgeon to clearly view all the structures within the joint and determine the exact type and severity of the injury. Additional incisions may be made for other instruments to be inserted for performing the repair.
Arthroscopic surgery can be performed in most joints. The knee and shoulder are the most common joints for which arthroscopy is used. Knees and shoulders are ideal joints for arthroscopic surgery. These are some of our commonly performed procedures:
Shoulder
- Labral tear repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Shoulder bursitis
Knee
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair or trimming
- Knee dislocation repair
- Cartilage repair
Other
- Our arthroscopic techniques can also be used to treat loose bone fragments, damaged or torn cartilage, inflamed joint linings, and scarring within joints
Find out if arthroscopic surgery is right for you
Most arthroscopic procedures allow the ability to return home the same day. The minimal damage to your joint will also allow you to begin your rehabilitation soon afterwards, and some patients are able to return to work or school within a few days.
If you have an injury that requires surgery, our expert orthopedic surgeons can determine whether an arthroscopic option is available and if you’re a good candidate for this type of procedure. As always, we’ll be sure to discuss the risks and benefits associated with each option so you can make an informed and educated decision about your treatment. To get started on your path to recovery or learn more about our services, please call the Westfield Orthopedic Group at 908-232-3879 or fill out an appointment request form.