Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy (endoscopy) is frequently used in shoulder, elbow and knee disorders. It offers the opportunity to directly consider the internal components of a joint and as such, make an accurate diagnosis of cartilage damage, inflammation and damage to ligaments or menisci. With these minimally invasive procedures, we obtain a clear view of almost every joint area. The arthroscopically performed operations enable us to locate damage more easily and to treat the areas carefully using fine tools. For the patient, arthroscopic procedures offer many advantages. The cuts are smaller than in the case of open operations. Smaller incisions mean less tissue injury and less scarring. The patient can usually start follow on therapy shortly after this very gentle type of operation.

The course of treatment

Arthroscopy is performed either under a general or local anaesthetic administered to the arm or leg. When we perform arthroscopy, we run a thin optic probe through a small skin incision which is 5 to 10 millimetres into the joint and connect it with a video camera which projects the image for us onto a screen. For this, the joint is filled with a liquid that is removed at the end of operation. The joint structures can be examined directly with the aid of a feeling hook which is introduced through a second, equally small incision. Using the same section, we introduce various instruments for arthroscopic surgery. This way for example, in the case of joint inflammation, we remove parts of the inflamed synovial membrane. In the case of cartilage or meniscus damage and ligament and tendon injuries, we use this method to remove torn meniscus parts, sew damaged tissue, to make cartilage smooth or replace torn ligaments.

The gentle approach makes it possible for the operated joint to move immediately, and often accommodate loads. Some of these operations can be carried out on an outpatient basis, for other operations, a few days of continual hospitalisation are appropriate.