Many of the advances in orthopedics
can be attributed to the development of an instrument called the arthroscope,
a tiny microscope connected to a television monitor that enables the orthopedic
surgeon to examine and operate on bone and joint structures through very
small “keyhole” incisions instead of the larger openings made for standard
operations.
A technique used for both
treatment and diagnostic purposes, arthroscopy has revolutionized both,
allowing the doctor to look directly at affected structures magnified on
the television screen to determine what the problem is and, when necessary,
providing a less-invasive method to operate when surgery is required. In
addition to a less-traumatic and safer surgical procedure, the recovery
time with arthroscopy is greatly reduced, allowing many people to resume
their usual activities within days.
Here’s what’s involved: First
the arthroscope (about the size of a pencil) is inserted into the problem
area through a small cut in the skin – sometimes only about ¼ to
½ inch in length. The arthroscope introduces lights and magnification
into the problem area and transmits the image through fiber-optic cables
to a television screen mounted across from the surgeon. (Often, the patient
is able to stay awake during the procedure and watch.) Additional, small
incisions are used to introduce miniaturized surgical instruments the surgeon
uses to repair the problem structures.
Among the types of procedure
that are performed using an arthroscope are:
