It may surprise people that minimally-invasive surgery can be performed on every joint in the body. Most people have heard the term “scoped,” in reference to a medical procedure. The term refers to arthroscopic surgery, which is used to repair a variety of orthopaedic problems. Arthroscopic surgery requires less recovery time, and is not as painful as open surgery.
The benefits of scope procedures include:
* minimal scarring
* smaller incisions
* faster healing
An Orthopaedic Surgeon in Crested Butte, CO, uses arthroscopic surgery to correct carpal tunnel syndrome in 15 to 20 minutes. The procedure is called a tunnel release. The surgeon scopes ligament tears, cartilage damage, bone spurs and fractures. Chamberland Orthopaedics is the only place in the area that performs arthroscopic releases on tennis elbow.
Arthroscopic surgery involves inserting a small camera inside the joint. The surgeon makes small incisions, and instruments are inserted to repair the damage. Knee surgery is one of the most popular scope procedures. A scope repairs most knee conditions, including torn cartilage/meniscus surgery. Meniscectomy is the official name of the surgery that involves removal of a portion of the meniscus cartilage. The meniscus provides cushion and support for the knee. ACL reconstruction is also performed with a scope.
The ACL is one of four main knee ligaments and is crucial to knee stability. People with an ACL injury often complain about their knee giving out from under them. An Orthopaedic Surgeon in Crested Butte, CO also performs micro-fractures. This treatment is used to stimulate new cartilage growth because existing cartilage is damaged. Arthroscopic shoulder procedures are also widely used. The main complication is that patients feel better so quickly, they may damage the repaired joint.
Scoping the rotator cuff has been controversial, because some doctors argue that open surgery is best. However, many surgeons treat all rotator cuff tears arthroscopically. Patients with shoulder bursitis are using a treatment called arthroscopic subacromial decompression. The treatment involves removing inflamed tissue around the rotator cuff. Complications from shoulder scopes are relatively low. The most common complication is stiffness and long recovery times. People with medical problems deserve treatment choices. Arthroscopic surgery is another successful treatment option.
