Arthroscopic surgery, also just called Arthroscopy, is a minimally-invasive alternative option for some joint surgeries. The term “arthroscopic” evolved from two Greek words: arthro, which means “joint” and skopein, which means “to look.” Arthroscopic surgery is completed using equipment that allows the surgeon to see inside the joint without having to compromise the other parts, such as the rotator cuff muscles in the shoulder. Only small incisions are made during arthrosco
pies, and much of the procedure is completed using a very small light and camera lens.
Our experienced and dedicated surgeon specializes in arthroscopic shoulder surgery. A patient may opt for this procedure in order to correct the following issues:
Torn rotator cuff
Unstable joint
Bone spurs
Defective articular cartilage
Inflammation (arthritis, etc.)
Etc.
The nature of arthroscopic surgery means that the procedure is minimally invasive, usually only requiring a few small incisions. Before the popularization of arthroscopy, shoulder surgeries were much more invasive because seeing into the joint required actually cutting into it. These procedures are designed to minimize damage, but they can’t compete with the minimal invasion of arthroscopic surgeries.
Because less tissue is damaged during the surgery, arthroscopic surgeries are often outpatient procedures, which means the patient is not admitted and will probably be able to return home that day. These patients typically experience less pain than with a more invasive surgery, and outpatient procedures are often much more affordable.
The joint is not nearly as exposed during arthroscopic surgery as it is during more invasive procedures, which makes recovery time much shorter because the patient is in less pain and at a much lower risk for infection or other complications. Patients who undergo arthroscopic surgeries tend to take between three and six months before they are able to perform tasks that require heavy physical activity.
Visit board certified and fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon Thomas Kovack to learn what your shoulder surgery options are. Dr. Kovack specializes in working with patients who are younger or highly active. Using these non invasive, arthroscopic techniques, he is able to perform surgery on his patients without using large open incisions, resulting in faster recovery times, less pain, and a successful shoulder surgery. Give us a call to get all of your questions answered.
