Arthroscopy (cont.)
How does the patient recover after arthroscopy?
Immediately after arthroscopic surgery, patients may be sleepy,
especially if a general anesthetic has been used. Medications are
administered to control pain if needed. If a local anesthetic has been
used, there may be no pain at all immediately after the
procedure. If a spinal or regional anesthetic has been used, there can be
numbness and weakness of the extremity that gradually resolves before the
patient is sent home.
The surgical incisions from arthroscopy are small. They usually consist
of several 5 mm (1/4 inch) incisions on either side of the joint, which
are bandaged after surgery. The bandage may absorb some of the tissue
drainage from these wound sites. The bandage should only be removed under
the guidance of the treating surgeon or nurse. It should otherwise be kept
as dry as possible during the first few days after surgery. Patients
should notify their physician's office immediately if they develop unusual
joint pain, swelling, redness or warmth, or if they injure the involved joint.
For several days after arthroscopy, patients will generally be asked to
rest and elevate the joint while applying ice packs to minimize pain and
swelling. After surgery, an exercise program is gradually started that
strengthens the muscles surrounding the joint and prevents scarring (contracture) of surrounding soft tissues. The goal is to recover
stability and strength of the joint rapidly and safely, while preventing
the build-up of scar tissue. This program is an essential
part of the recovery process for an optimal outcome of this procedure.
Over the years, higher quality fiber-optic equipment has allowed the
development of miniature arthroscopes. This has allowed the examination of
smaller joints with arthroscopy. Arthroscopy has become an integral tool
for orthopedic surgery and its role will continue to expand as further
improvement in arthroscopes and arthroscopic instruments continues.
- Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that can be performed for
diagnosis and/or treatment of joint abnormalities.
- Arthroscopy is most often an outpatient procedure.
- Arthroscopy can be performed using general, spinal, regional, or
local anesthetic.
- The surgical incisions required for arthroscopy are several,
approximately ¼ inch, on either side of the joint.
Last Editorial Review: 4/28/2008
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