When you need surgery to treat ligament disorders, tendon damage, or other joint injuries, our expert orthopaedists at Valli Orthopaedic and Sports Hospital may recommend a minimally invasive, arthroscopic procedure.
Arthroscopy is used to treat painful ligamentous disorders of the knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, and wrist. Other disorders such as recurrent dislocation of the shoulder, painful cartilage defects of the knee and other major human joints, vascular growth or tumours of joint synovium, etc., can be effectively treated with arthroscopy rather than open surgery. Our doctor may also use arthroscopy to view detailed images of the inside of your joint to precisely diagnose your pain and provide treatment tailored to your specific needs. Biopsy of intra-articular tumours of major joints and debridement of joint infection in elderly, immunocompromised individuals can be painlessly performed by arthroscopy.
Once the doctor has decided on arthroscopy as a treatment option, you will be given precise instructions for surgical preparation. The doctor will review your medical history and may advise you to avoid specific medications a few days or weeks before surgery. You may also be advised to avoid eating or drinking certain foods or beverages before the surgery. During the procedure, our surgeon uses an arthroscope, which is a thin, flexible tube fitted with lenses and optical fibres. The arthroscope is placed into the affected joint through a small incision, allowing the surgeon to observe the interior joint structure on a digital screen. The surgeon will then use small surgical equipment inserted through additional small incisions to diagnose and/or repair the damaged joint. Once the procedure is completed, the instruments will be removed, the incisions will be closed, and a sterile dressing will be applied. It may take several weeks for the wounds to heal and the joint to recover completely. A rehabilitation programme may be advised for a speedy recovery of normal joint function so you can resume normal activities within a few days.
