Arthroscopy Health Article

Health care team roles

Arthroscopy is usually performed on an outpatient basis by a physician, but surgical repair may require hospitalization. In addition to providing assistance during the procedure, nurses monitor vital signs in the recovery room, including blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. They may also monitor circulation and sensation in the area that has been examined and/or operated on. Following arthroscopic surgery, a physical therapist guides the patient in rehabilitation to ensure that the patient regains full functioning in the targeted joint.

KEY TERMS

Ankylosis—A stiff or fixed joint due to disease or surgery.

Hemarthrosis—A condition of blood within a joint.

Pulmonary embolus—Blockage of an artery of the lung by foreign matter such as fat, tumor, tissue, or a clot originating from a vein.

Sepsis—A toxic condition resulting from the spreading of bacteria due to infection.

Synovial fluid—A naturally occurring fluid that lubricates the joints.

Thrombophlebitis—Inflammation of a vein with the formation of a thrombus or clot.

Tourniquet—Something used to stop the flow of blood by pressure applied with an encircling device, such as a bandage twisted with a stick to apply pressure.

BOOKS

Pagana, Kathleen D., and Timothy J. Pagana. Diagnostic Testing and Nursing Implications. 5th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, 1999.

Scott, Norman W. Arthroscopy of the Knee. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Company, 1990.

PERIODICALS

Fink, Brett and Mizel, Mark S. "What's New in Foot and Ankle Surgery." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (May 2001): 791-799.

Kelly E. W., B.F. Morrey, S.W. O'Driscoll. "Complications of Elbow Arthroscopy." Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (January 2001): 25-34.

Wirth, Thomas. "Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism After Knee Arthroscopy With Low-Molecular Weight Heparin (Reviparin): Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial." Arthroscopy: The Journal of Arthroscopic and Related Surgery (April 2001): 393-399.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 6300 North River Road Rosemont, Illinois 60018-4262 (800) 346-AAOS <http://www.aaos.org>.

National Association of Orthopaedic Nurses, National Office. Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071 (856) 256-2310 <http://naon.inurse.com>.

Maggie Boleyn, RN, BSN