Arthroscopy Surgery
 Arthroscopic Surgery uses small incisions and thin cameras to visualize the inside of a joint.
This technology allows the physician to manipulate other instruments to perform the surgery. Arthroscopic surgery, diagnosis and treatment can occur in a single procedure.
There are many benefits to arthroscopic surgery in comparison to traditional surgery, including:
- Generally less pain
- Minimal scarring
- Shorter recovery times
- Diagnosis can be more accurate than traditional surgery or X-ray studies
Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, and patients usually are allowed home on the same day. Patients generally return to work and their regular daily activities earlier than with other techniques.
Arthroscopic Surgery now is used for many joints including knees, shoulders, ankles and wrists. The knee joint is the most common repair.
The most common reasons why patients have arthroscopic surgery are:
- Evaluation of severe pain which is not responding to treatment
- A suspected tear in cartilage or a ligament in a joint
- Repair of a rotator cuff tear
- A known tear in the cartilage or a ligament which can be repaired at the time of the arthroscopy
- A need to identify and remove small pieces of bone or debris in a joint
FMC's Surgical Services Department performs hundreds of these procedures annually. The recovery time depends on the procedure done. If a repair is done through an arthroscope you may need Physical Therapy to get your knee or other joint strong again.
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