Arthroscopy or Laser Surgery
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems. The term “arthroscopy” comes from two Greek words: “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look), meaning literally “to look inside the joint.”
During arthroscopic surgery, the orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and inserts pencil-sized instruments containing a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. Light is transmitted through fiber optics to the tip of the arthroscope inside the joint. By connecting the arthroscope to a miniature camera, the surgeon can view the joint through this very small incision, eliminating the need for a larger incision required in open surgery.
Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat various joint problems, including inflammation, acute or chronic injuries, bone and/or cartilage looseness, and some arthritis-related issues. The following procedures can be performed using arthroscopy alone or in combination with open surgery:
Rotator cuff repair
Repair or removal of torn cartilage (meniscus) in the knee or shoulder
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction in the knee
Synovium removal in the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle
Laser surgery is another technique used in orthopedics, involving the use of a laser beam to cut tissue instead of traditional surgical tools like scalpels. Laser surgery can be combined with arthroscopy to treat certain conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Laser-assisted arthroscopy is effective in treating various disorders, including knee osteoarthritis and shoulder impingement syndrome.
In conclusion, arthroscopy and laser surgery are two minimally invasive techniques used in orthopedics to diagnose and treat joint problems. Arthroscopy involves inserting an arthroscope into the joint through a small incision to visualize and treat internal joint issues. Laser surgery uses a laser beam to cut tissue instead of traditional surgical tools like scalpels. Both methods are effective in treating various conditions.