Arthroscopic Repair
Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedure

Arthroscopic Repair Surgery in Dubai at CMC

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by surgeons to examine, identify, and treat problems inside a joint. During the procedure, the surgeon makes a small incision and inserts a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera whereby the view inside the patient’s joint is transmitted to a high-definition video monitor.

Since the procedure is a minor surgery, it is done on an outpatient basis, which means an individual can go home the same day. Arthroscopy may be recommended if one has inflammation in a joint, has injured a joint, or has damaged a joint over time.

Why Arthroscopy is Done

A number of joint disorders are diagnosed and treated by doctors using arthroscopy, most frequently those involving the following:

• Knee
• Elbow
• Wrist
• Shoulder
• Hip
• Ankle

Possible Risks of Arthroscopic Repair

While there are dangers with every procedure, arthroscopic surgery is classified as a safe procedure. However, if complications do occur, they could be nerve injury, infection, or blood clots.

The orthopedic surgeon will go over all of this with the patient before the procedure to make sure he/she understands it well.

Benefits of Arthroscopic Repair

• Involves small incisions
• Shorter recovery time
• Less pain
• Minimal scarring
• Patients often return to their normal activities within days

The Ideal Candidate for Arthroscopic Surgery

According to orthopedic surgeons, the procedure is recommended for patients who have already unsuccessfully tried nonsurgical treatments like medication, physical therapy, or injections.

Preparations for the Procedure

• Prior to the procedure, the patient should inform the doctor about any medications or vitamins he/she is taking.
• All jewelry, watches, and other valuables should be left at home. Dress comfortably and in garments that are simple to put on and take off.
• One should not drink or eat anything the night before the procedure unless the doctor advises otherwise.
• The patient should arrange to have someone drive him/her home afterward.

During the Procedure

Before the procedure, anesthesia is administered so that the patient won’t feel any pain or discomfort. The type of anesthesia to be given will depend on the joint and what the doctor suspects is the problem.

To expand the area and improve the view inside the joint, the doctor fills the joint with a sterile fluid.

One small incision is made to accommodate the viewing device. More small incisions are made at different points around the joint through which the surgeon will insert surgical instruments to grasp, cut, grind, and apply suction as necessary for joint repair.

Upon completion, the doctor will remove the arthroscope and any attachments and then close the wound with stitches.

After the Procedure

• The patient will be taken to a recovery room where he/she will rest for an hour or more
• The patient may experience some pain in the joint following surgery
• Pain medication may be prescribed. Other medications may also be prescribed to prevent blood clots
• The patient will need to apply ice for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. If arthroscopy was done on the knee, the patient will need to elevate the leg so as to reduce pain