What to Expect From an Arthroscopy Surgeon

The thought of surgery, regardless of how minimally invasive it is, can be scary to a lot of people. However, knowing what to expect from the procedure can really help reduce any anxiety. If you were suggested arthroscopic surgery by a doctor, we have given a detailed explanation of the procedure below so your mind is at peace before going to the arthroscopy surgeon.

What will the Arthroscopy Surgeon do before the procedure?

Generally, an arthroscopy surgeon will perform the procedure in an outpatient room. This mean you would be able to go home on the same day as the procedure. You will be given anesthesia according to what the surgeon thinks the problem is and the affected joint.

How will the Arthroscopy Surgeon perform the procedure?

The Arthroscopy Doctor will make a small incision near the affected area to insert a pencil-thin instrument. This instrument or “arthroscope tube” has a fiber optic camera mounted on it. It projects the image of the inside of the joint onto a monitor, enabling the surgeon to see and treat the joint problem without having to make any large cuts. The surgeon will expand the incision by injecting a sterile fluid to improve the view.

Once the arthroscopy surgeon has taken a look at the affected area, they will diagnose the issue and determine whether you need any surgery or not. If you do, the surgeon will make more small incisions to insert other instruments, such as scalpels or lasers, to fix the problem. They will finish the procedure by removing any instruments and closing the incisions with stiches or special tape.

What to expect from the arthroscopy surgeon after the surgery?

Once the surgery is finished, the arthroscopy surgeon will prescribe you after care to ensure quick and effective recovery. They may prescribe pain medications as well as medications like aspirin to stop blood clot. You may also get recommended to take support from a sling, splint or crutches, depending on the affected area, during the recovery period.

Since the surgery is minimally invasive and only small incisions are made, you can get rid of the surgical bandages the day after the surgery and instead put on small strips to cover the cuts. However, it may take a week or two before the arthroscopic surgeon can remove any non-dissolvable stitches.

The arthroscopic surgeon will also suggest activities you should avoid right after the surgery to protect the surgical site. They will recommend safe exercises you can perform to speed up the recovery.

When is it Time to Get in Touch With the Arthroscopy Surgeon Again?

While complications are rare when it comes to arthroscopic surgery, they are possible. If you experience any of the following symptoms after the surgery, it would be a good idea to contact the arthroscopic surgeon right away:

• Fever
• Severe swelling
• Tingling or numbness
• Smelly or discolored fluid coming out from the incisions
• Pain getting worse