Advancements in Arthroscopic Surgery
“Thanks to imaging tests, we usually know what to expect before surgery begins and we’re able to repair the damage with only a few tiny incisions.” —Timothy Kinkead, MD, shown left, orthopedic surgeon on staff at Cape Cod Hospital
Orthopedic surgeons at Cape Cod Healthcare use the newest technology to examine, diagnose, and treat many joint problems during outpatient arthroscopic procedures that leave only a tiny scar and require minimal recovery time.
“Arthroscopic surgery has totally eliminated much of the need for traditional surgery,” says Donald O’Malley, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine physician on staff at Falmouth Hospital.
Diagnosing the Problem
Diagnosis of a joint injury or disease begins with a physical exam and a review of the patient’s medical history, followed by radiology tests like X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography (CT) scans. The doctor may then recommend arthroscopic surgery in order to make a final, accurate diagnosis and correct the problem.
“The advanced imaging tests we use have practically eliminated the need for exploratory surgery,” says Timothy Kinkead, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon on staff at Cape Cod Hospital. “Thanks to the imaging tests, we usually know what to expect before surgery begins and we’re able to repair the damage with only a few tiny incisions.”
Looking Around
While the patient is under general anesthesia, the surgeon makes a quarter-inch incision in the skin outside the joint so he or she can introduce the arthroscope, a pencil-sized surgical tool featuring a light source and a camera.
“The arthroscope is inserted into the joint and the surgeon performs a diagnostic exam of the patient’s joint while observing the camera’s images that are displayed on a television screen.
By moving the camera throughout the joint, doctors are able to visually inspect it for damage,” says Dr. Kinkead. “Once the problems have been identified, the surgeon can usually treat them during the procedure.”
In about 10 percent of arthroscopic cases, the doctor will find a newly discovered problem and repair it at the same time.
Through one or more additional small incisions, the doctor will insert tiny surgical instruments that can help repair torn ligaments, remove damaged bone or cartilage, or treat a variety of other ailments affecting the joint. Routinely, most problems noted through arthroscopy can be adequately treated during the procedure. However, some injuries will be too severe to repair arthroscopically and necessitate a more traditional “open” surgery. This is often performed at the time of the initial arthroscopy, but if need be, can be scheduled as an additional surgery at a later date.
On the Road to Recovery
After surgery, the patient is taken to a recovery room to rest until the effects of the anesthesia wear off. Once the patient is fully awake, the doctor will review the surgery results and make recommendations for follow-up care and rehabilitation programs if necessary. The next day, a nurse will generally call and check on how you are doing.
Because the extent of injuries and the amount of surgery vary from patient to patient, each person undergoing arthroscopic surgery has a different experience and different limitations following the procedure. However, most patients are able to return to work or school within a few days and then go back to more intense activities a few weeks later—much faster than with the open surgical techniques of the past.
“Over the years, arthroscopic surgery has evolved significantly, allowing much easier methods for repairing problems within the shoulders, knees, and ankles,” Dr. Kinkead says. “In the future, we’ll see even greater uses for surgery of this type. The possibilities are limitless.”
For more information about arthroscopic surgery at Cape Cod Healthcare, call the Cape Cod Healthcare Information Line at (877) CAPE COD.