Arthroscopic Surgery Health Article

Normal results

Most patients undergo arthroscopic surgery as an outpatient and are home with hours or at most a day or two. Pain and complications are rare and most patients will enjoy improved mobility as they recover over a period of days, possibly with the aid of physical therapy and gentle exercise.

Some people undergoing arthroscopy may have preexisting conditions and diseases that will affect the surgical result. Recovery times will vary depending on each patient's overall condition. Certain problems may need to be treated with a combination of arthroscopic and open surgical procedures.

Alternatives

Alternatives to arthroscopic surgery include:

• changing activities to those less strenuous or demanding
• anti-inflammatory medications
• physical therapy and appropriate, gentle exercise such as yoga
• wearing a brace or using a walking aid
• glucosamine sulfate and chondroiten to reduce pain and stiffness
• therapeutic massage, acupuncture, or other body work

BOOKS

Andrews, James R. and Laura A. Timmerman. Diagnostic and Operative Arthroscopy. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders Co., 1997.

Brillhart, Allen T., ed. Arthroscopic Laser Surgery: Clinical Applications. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1995.

Oxford Medical Publications. Oxford Textbook of Sports Medicine. New York: Oxford Medical Publications, 1994.

PERIODICALS

Wilkinson, Todd. "Pop, Crackle, Snap." Women's Sports & Fitness (April 1998): 68.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons(AAOS). 6300 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018. (800) 346-AAOS. <http://www.aaos.org>.

Institute for Bone and Joint Disorders. 2222 East Highland Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85016; 602-553-3113. <http://www.ibjd.com>.

OTHER

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Arthroscopy. April 15, 1998 [cited April 2003]. <http://www.aaos.org>.

The Arthritis Foundation. About Arthroscopic Surgery. [cited April 2003]. <http://www.arthritis.org>.

Cooke, K. V. "Arthroscopy for Rheumatoid Arthritis." Laurushealth.com September 5, 2002 [cited April 2003]. <http://www.laurushealth.com/library>.

"Joint Irrigation for Osteoarthritis." Ivanhoe Newswire 5(2003): 20–26 [cited April 2003]. <http://www.ivanhoe.com/newsalert>.

"Knee Arthroscopy." The Center for Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. April 15, 1998 [cited April 2003]. <http://www.arthroscopy.com>.

Lori De Milto L. Lee Culvert

WHO PERFORMS THE PROCEDURE AND WHERE IS IT PERFORMED?

Arthroscopic surgery is performed in a hospital operating room or an outpatient surgical facility by an orthopedic surgeon.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• Why is arthroscopy necessary for me?
• What kind of anesthesia will I have?
• How often do you perform this procedure? What results are typical?
• How much discomfort can I expect short term? Long term?
• Will physical therapy be necessary after the surgery?
• Will this procedure correct my joint problem?