Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy is performed to diagnose and treat various joint, ligament, and tendon problems, like:

1. Loose bone fragments
2. Inflammation of the joint linings
3. Torn or damaged cartilage, ligaments, and tendons
4. Knee pain and knee instability because of anterior cruciate ligament or ACL tears (damage to the ligament located at the knee’s center) and meniscal tears (tear of the cartilage that sits inside the knee joint)
5. Scarring within the joints
6. Arthritis (joint inflammation) leading to joint degeneration
7. Dislocated shoulder (a condition in which the round ball at the top of the upper arm bone leaves the socket in the shoulder blade), frozen shoulder (a painful condition that leads to shoulder inflammation and stiffness), tendinitis, shoulder impingement (when the outer top edge of the shoulder blade impinges on the muscles on the shoulder blade), rotator cuff tears (when the tendons pull away from the arm bone leading to the tear of the shoulder blade muscles)
8. Wrist pain because of ganglion cysts (small, fluid-filled lumps below the skin), wrist arthritis (inflammation of the wrist joint), and carpal tunnel syndrome (increased pressure within the wrist on the median nerve causing pain, tingling, weakness, and numbness in the hand and wrist)
9. Severe joint pain and immobility that does not improve by physiotherapy, braces or splints, rest, and medications

1. Physical examination: The doctor will physically examine the affected joint and check for its mobility and function.
2. X-rays: The condition of the joint and surrounding bones can be evaluated by the doctor using x-rays.
3. Imaging tests: Imaging tests like CT scans, MRI scans, and ultrasounds help in obtaining clear pictures of the affected joint.
4. Blood tests and urine tests: These are routine tests performed to check for underlying infections and medical conditions.

Arthroscopy is performed under general anesthesia (you will be asleep during the procedure), local anesthesia (the treatment area is numbed), or spinal anesthesia (the area below the waist is numbed).

• The surgeon will make two or three tiny incisions or cuts in the treatment area.
• The surgeon will then insert an arthroscope (a thin tube with a light and camera on one end) and other tiny surgical instruments through the incisions created.
• The internal body images are sent from the arthroscope to a computer monitor to examine the joints, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage.
• The images obtained are used to either make a diagnosis or surgically treat the problem.
• The arthroscope and surgical instruments are then removed.
• The incisions are then closed using sutures and a bandage.
• The procedure takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Arthroscopy may lead to the following complications:

1. Blood clot formation
2. Uncontrolled bleeding
3. Swelling
4. Breakage of the instrument while operating
5. Infection
6. Drainage in the surgical site
7. Allergic reaction to the anesthesia used
8. Nerve damage 
9. Damage to the surrounding tissues

• Most patients can go home on the same day of the procedure, while some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a day for observation.
• Most patients can resume their normal daily activities within a few days of the procedure.
• You can start driving one to three weeks after surgery.
• You will be given pain-relieving medications to relieve your discomfort after the procedure.
• Physiotherapy will be needed after the procedure.
• Avoid sports and other vigorous physical activities for two to three months after the procedure.

Home remedies:

The following home remedies can help in quicker and smoother recovery after arthroscopy:

• Avoid putting any pressure or weight on the area during the recovery period.
• Take a lot of rest during the recovery period.
• You may need to use assistance in the form of crutches, a cane, or a walker if you have had an arthroscopy on the hip or leg.
• Apply an ice pack and keep the surgical area elevated.
• Take all the prescribed pain-relieving medications on time.
• You will have to wear a sling or brace till the doctor advises you the same.
• Perform all your physiotherapy exercises as recommended by the doctor.
• Take showers and not baths till your incisions heal.

Benefits:

The advantages of arthroscopy compared to open surgery include:

• Smaller cuts or incisions
• Shorter time of surgery
• Rapid recovery
• Less post-operative pain
• Minimal scarring
• Minimal trauma to the healthy soft tissues surrounding the surgical site
• More accurate diagnosis
• Reduced risk of post-surgical complications 

Cost of arthroscopy in India- 

The cost of arthroscopy in Mumbai is between INR 1,00,000 to INR 1,50,000.
The cost of arthroscopy in Delhi is between INR 90,000 to INR 1,40,000.
The cost of arthroscopy in Bangalore is between INR 90,000 to INR 1,40,000.
The cost of arthroscopy in Chennai is between INR 80,000 to INR 1,30,000.