Getting Back to Normal Faster With Arthroscopic Surgery
Joint problems can happen to any individual. Sometimes, the root cause is a degenerative disease like arthritis, whereas, for other people, repetitive motions or activity create damage that requires treatment. While immediate examples include the hips or knees, the truth is that joint pain or damage can occur anywhere, including ankles, wrists, elbows, and even along the spine. In the past, treating such conditions required extensive orthopedic surgery and prolonged recovery timelines. With the advent of minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures, patients have better options to recover faster.
What is an arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy refers to any surgery or diagnostic procedure that is minimally invasive and relies on a small fiber-optic camera and very small surgical instruments. If the procedure is diagnostic only, then a surgeon will only use the camera. However, for repair or replacement surgeries, such as a keyhole surgery for carpal tunnel or a partial or total joint replacement, surgeons are able to manage the entire procedure without making large incisions.
Arthroscopies for repair
Arthroscopies can be used to repair or replace tissues in the body. Two great examples of repairing procedures are minimally invasive keyhole surgery and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. Keyhole surgery is usually recommended for people experiencing severe pain or reduced range of motion because of carpal tunnel. During the operation, a small incision is made where the surgeon can widen the carpal tunnel channel to relieve pressure on the median nerve. Meanwhile, ACL tears can be treated by removing and replacing the damaged tissue. In both scenarios, patients can get back to normal life quickly and without the unsightly scars.
Benefits of arthroscopies
While surgery can be an intimidating event for any person to undergo, arthroscopic procedures carry a lot of benefits. In particular, minimally invasive operations offer a shorter recovery timeline. Depending on the surgery, traditional open surgeries can require a minimum of 6-12 weeks for initial healing and as much as a year to achieve full recovery. Of course, specific timelines will depend on the joint being treated, the extent of the damage or repairs that were needed, and how well a patient follows the recovery guidelines. By contrast, arthroscopies have significantly shorter recovery times, with some people returning to basic activities within as little as 2-6 weeks of surgery. Additionally, the smaller incision can translate to less pain and scarring.
Embrace faster recoveries
A variety of factors can impact whether a person is considered a good candidate for minimally invasive procedures. The surgery offers significant benefits, but depending on the extent and type of damage present in the joints, some patients won’t be considered. If joint pain is impacting quality of life and mobility, consider speaking with an orthopedic surgeon and seeing if minimally invasive treatment can help.
