Arthroscopic Cleansing
- Arthroscopic cleansing may be required for any number of conditions, including tendon and muscle tears, cartilage damage or degeneration, and loose bone or bone spurs. Almost any joint is a potential candidate for cleansing, but the surgery is most commonly performed on the shoulders, knees, elbows, wrists, ankles and hips.
Potential situations leading to arthroscopy include traumatic injury, arthritis and infection. Based on direct assessment of the condition, a doctor or orthopedic surgeon will determine if an arthroscopic procedure is appropriate. If selected, the procedure may take place on either an inpatient or outpatient basis, depending on the suspected amount of damage. While arthroscopic surgery is typically less invasive than traditional open surgery, and may only require the use of a local anesthetic, the procedure may require use of general or spinal anesthesia. Do not eat or drink for the 12-hour period prior to surgery. - The procedure itself will begin with a small incision to allow access to the point of injury. The surgeon will then insert an instrument called an arthroscope, which consists of a narrow, flexible tube with a built-in video camera and optical fibers. Light sent through these fibers will illuminate the damaged joint, allowing the video camera to pass images to an accompanying external monitor, which the surgeon will use to examine the joint's interior. Saline solution will be pumped through the arthroscope or an accompanying tube to fully expand the joint and make it easier to view. The surgeon may also make additional incisions to provide other entrance points to the joint.
Initially, the surgeon will examine the joint to determine the type and extent of the damage present. Signs of damage may include inflammation, flecks of debris and pitted cartilage or bone. Once the initial assessment is done, the surgeon will likely proceed directly to repair any apparent problems. In some cases, the surgeon may choose to perform an exploratory procedure separate from repair.
If cartilage or other loose debris is impeding the joint, it will be removed with instruments inserted through the additional surgical incisions. If tendon or muscle damage is present, the surgeon may choose to trim back any tissue that is degrading joint function. He may also choose to suture more extensive tears or other damage. If bone spurs or abnormal bone growth are present, he will shave back the bone and remove the excess material. - Rare but potential risks from arthroscopic cleansing include excessive bleeding or swelling, infection, nerve or blood vessel damage and development of blood clots. Consult the surgeon for a detailed explanation of the procedure.
