Arthroscopy (cont.)
What is done in preparation for arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is essentially a bloodless procedure and generally has few
complications. The underlying health of the patient is considered when determining who is a candidate for arthroscopy. Most
importantly, the patient should be able tolerate the anesthetic that is
used during the procedure. A person's heart and lung function should be
adequate. If there are existing problems such as heart failure or emphysema,
these should be optimized as possible prior to surgery. Patients
who are on anticoagulants (blood thinners) should have these medications
carefully adjusted prior to surgery. Other medical problems should also be
controlled prior to surgery, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Preoperative evaluation of a patient's health will generally include a
physical examination, blood tests, and a urinalysis. Patients who have a
history of heart or lung problems and generally anyone over the age of 50
will usually be asked to obtain an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a chest
X-ray. Any signs of ongoing infection in the body usually postpones
arthroscopy, unless it is being done for possible infection of the joint
in question.
How is arthroscopy performed?
Arthroscopy is most often performed as an outpatient procedure. The patient will
check into the facility where the procedure is being performed and an
intravenous line (IV) established in order to administer fluids and
medication. The type of anesthesia used varies depending on the joint
being examined and the medical health of the patient. Arthroscopy can be
performed under a general anesthetic, a spinal or epidural anesthetic, a
regional block (where only the extremity being examined is numbed), or
even a local anesthetic. After adequate anesthesia is achieved, the
procedure can begin. An incision is made on the side of the joint to be
examined and the arthroscope is inserted into the incision. Other
instruments are sometimes placed in another incision to help maneuver
certain structures into the view of the arthroscope. In arthroscopic
surgery, additional instruments for surgical repairs are inserted into the
joint through the arthroscope. These instruments can be used to cut,
remove, and sew damaged tissues. Once the procedure is completed, the
arthroscope in removed and the incisions are sutured (sewn) closed. A
sterile dressing is placed over the incision and a brace or ACE wrap may
be placed around the joint.
Next: How does the patient recover after arthroscopy? »
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