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Below is a list of some
frequently asked questions, but please feel free to call our
office if you need additional information. We are always
pleased to assist you.
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What
is arthroscopic surgery?
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Arthroscopic
Surgery is a surgical procedure used to evaluate
and treat the inside of a joint. The most
common joints which are "scoped" are
the knee and shoulder. Other joints such
as the elbow, ankle and wrist also lend
themselves to this procedure.
Arthroscopic
surgery is typically performed in an operating
room on an outpatient basis. |
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How
is arthroscopic surgery done?
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Knee
arthroscopy is usually carried out in an
operating room, under local anesthesia, and on
an ambulatory basis. If desired, patients can
watch the surgery on the video screen while it's
being performed. Shoulder arthroscopy is
usually performed under general anesthesia so
that you will be "asleep" during the
procedure.
Arthroscopic
surgery is typically done with two or three
small 1/4 inch incisions (portals).
Usually one portal is used to fill the knee with
sterile fluid. The second portal is used
to introduce the arthroscope (scope) into the
knee. Finally, the third portal is used to
insert small surgical instruments, which can
probe, cut, shave and repair damaged tissues
within the joint. |
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What
can be seen in the knee joint?
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The
Arthroscope allows us to see inside the knee
joint. The femur (thigh bone), tibia (shin
bone) and patella (knee cap) are always very
well seen. Each of these bones are covered
with a smooth, shiny coating called "articular
cartilage". The articular cartilage
allows the bone surfaces to glide freely over
one another. When the articular cartilage
begins to soften and break down it is called
chrondromalacia (chrondro = cartilage; malacia =
softening). Ultimately, if the articular
cartilage breaks down further and wears away, it
is known as arthritis. Additionally, the
meniscal cartilages and cruciate ligaments can
be evaluated and treated.
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What
is meniscal cartilage?
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There
are two meniscal cartilages within the knee.
The medial meniscus is on the inner side of the
knee, the lateral meniscus is on the outer side
of the knee. The menisci are located
between the femur and tibia and when healthy,
act as shock absorbers, protecting the articular
cartilage from injury. The menisci are
made of a strong rubbery type tissue known as
fibrocartilage and are semicircular shaped. |
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What
is the treatment for DeQuervains Tendonitis? |
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The
goal is to relieve the pain caused by the
irritation and swelling. Resting the thumb
and wrist by wearing a splint may be
recommended. Anti-inflammatory medication
taken by mouth or injection may help reduce the
swelling and relieve the pain. If
improvement does not occur, surgery is generally
done. The surgery opens the compartment
(covering) to make more room for the irritated
tendons. |
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