Specializing In Arthroscopic Surgery For Patients Of All Ages
Arthroscopic Surgery in Rochester, NY
Greater Rochester Orthopaedics features a team of board-certified orthopaedic surgeons who are adept in the advanced techniques of arthroscopic surgery, catering to patients of various ages. Through every phase of treatment, from diagnosis to recovery, patients receive comprehensive care. Utilizing state-of-the-art arthroscopy equipment, the team addresses injuries and pain in the shoulder, ankle, wrist, and beyond. For those considering this minimally invasive procedure or seeking further details, consultations can be scheduled by contacting Greater Rochester Orthopaedics in Rochester, NY.
Minimal Downtime Surgery Options
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopaedic surgeons to visualize, diagnose, and treat issues within a joint. The procedure involves making a small incision through which a pencil-sized instrument — equipped with a lighting system and lens — is inserted. This setup enables magnification and illumination of the joint’s interior structures, projecting the images onto a screen for the surgeon’s detailed examination.
Why Is It Necessary?
The purpose of arthroscopy extends beyond diagnostics; it plays a critical role in accurately addressing and managing joint disease and injuries. While initial assessments include physical examinations and imaging like X-rays or MRIs, arthroscopy offers a precise diagnosis by providing a clear view inside the joint.
Conditions Frequently Treated
- Inflammation
- Injury – acute and chronic
- Knee – meniscal (cartilage) tears, chondromalacia (wearing or injury of cartilage cushion), and anterior cruciate ligament tears with instability
- Loose bodies of bone and/or cartilage – knee, shoulder, elbow, ankle, or wrist
- Shoulder – rotator cuff tendon tears, impingement syndrome, and recurrent dislocations
- Synovitis – inflamed lining (synovium) in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle.
- Wrist – carpal tunnel syndrome
Advantages of Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is renowned not only for its effectiveness in treating athletic injuries but also for its broader benefits to orthopaedic patients. Its minimally invasive nature means less pain, shorter hospital stays, and quicker recoveries, positioning it as a preferred treatment method for many joint issues.
The Arthroscopic Procedure
Arthroscopy is performed in a sterile operating room setting or an outpatient surgical suite, requiring anesthetics tailored to the specific joint or condition being treated. The procedure starts with a small incision for the arthroscope’s insertion, potentially followed by additional incisions for other instruments. Now, with the advent of better instrumentations and techniques, many conditions that once necessitated open surgery can be treated arthroscopically.
Post-Surgery & Recovery
Following arthroscopic surgery, patients typically experience minimal discomfort and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery. Instructions for at-home care, activity limitations, and rehabilitation exercises are provided to aid recovery. Each patient’s recovery timeline and needs are unique, often influenced by the specific procedure performed and individual health factors.
To explore your options and determine if arthroscopic surgery is right for you, please reach out at 585-295-5350 to schedule a consultation.