Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy: minimally invasive surgery for your joints

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical method used in the treatment of joint problems. It enables the surgeon to access the interior of the joint cavities in order to perform delicate procedures, such as repairing the cruciate ligaments of the knee, remodeling or partial ablation of the meniscus, rotator cuff repair, removal of irregular cartilage, etc.
Unlike traditional surgery, known as “open surgery”, arthroscopy limits surgical trauma because the incisions are measured in millimeters. With the aid of modern video imaging, the surgeon reaches the target area using fine, precise instruments. This modern technique minimizes pain and complications in patients, which reduces the time of recovery and contributes to long term results.

Knee arthroscopy

  • Requires local anesthesia or, on rare occasions, general anesthesia.
  • On each side of the patellar tendon, the surgeon makes small incisions, which is closed with a single suture once the operation is completed.
  • An arthroscope is inserted into the knee through one of the incisions. This camera enables the surgeon to view the joint cavity, ligaments, cartilage, and tendon insertions in order to determine the cause of the joint problem.
  • The second incision allows the surgeon to use miniature instruments to repair or remove certain intra-articular elements.
  • Following the procedure, the knee must be immobilized for a 24-hour period.

Hip arthroscopy

  • Requires local anesthesia or, on rare occasions, general anesthesia.
  • The arthroscopic camera is inserted into the hip through a small incision so the surgeon can examine all the components of the joint: cartilage, ligaments, synovium, joint capsule, acetabular labrum, etc.
  • A second small incision then allows the surgeon to insert miniature instruments in order to treat certain pathologies, including cartilage injuries, femoroacetabular impingement of the hip, imminent osteoarthritis, villonodular synovitis, torn round ligament, etc.
  • Following the procedure, the patient recovers quickly.

Shoulder arthroscopy

  • Requires local anesthesia or, on rare occasions, general anesthesia.
  • Two or three small incisions are typically necessary.
  • One of these incisions allows the insertion of a miniature video camera, and through video imaging, the surgeon can diagnose certain pathologies of the joint or surrounding areas, including calcification, tendinitis or tears in the rotator cuff, subacromial impingement, dislocation, capsulitis, etc.
  • The second incision will be used for the treatment, which is performed with the aid of microsurgical instruments.
  • Afterwards, the arm must be immobilized for a certain amount of time, which varies according to the type of pathology.