Treatments

Ankle Treatments

Arthroscopy of the Ankle

Certain injuries to the ankle respond well to arthroscopy, a surgical technique in which the physician inserts a needle-shaped fiber optic telescope, or arthroscope, in the joint through an incision approximately 1/8 inch long. Utilizing instruments as small as 1/10 inch, corrective surgery is performed. Normally done as an outpatient procedure, arthroscopy causes less trauma to the tissues than traditional, more invasive surgeries. You may want to discuss the arthroscopic procedure with your physician to see if it is the right solution for your particular ailment. Your doctor can guide you in this regard and explain what to expect, including your timetable for recovery.

Knee Treatments

Arthroscopic Surgery of the Knee

Many knee problems can be resolved through Arthroscopy. In this surgical technique the physician inserts a needle-shaped fiber optic telescope, or arthroscope, into the joint through an incision approximately 1/4 inch in length. Fluid is dispersed into the joint to stretch it and to enable viewing of the joint structures through the arthroscope's magnifying lenses. Then, utilizing instruments as small as 1/10 inch, corrective surgery is performed. Usually offered as an outpatient procedure, arthroscopy causes less trauma than traditional, more invasive surgeries to the knee muscles, ligaments and tissues.

Total Knee Replacement

Knee replacement is actually just a “resurfacing” of the knee joint. The femur or thighbone is covered with a metal covering and plastic is placed on the tibia so that instead of irregular arthritic surfaces, one has metal and plastic articulating which produces a smooth non-patent surface. In most cases the undersurface of the kneecap is also replaced with a plastic surface so that this articulates with the femoral surface. The actual procedure involving knee replacement involves general anesthesia with a four to six day hospitalization. The surgery itself takes between 1and 2 hours. In most cases patients have a friend or family member donate two units of autologous blood to be uses in the postoperative period. Weight bearing begins immediately the first post-operative day. Patients usually use a walker for a period of one to two weeks, going to crutches and then a cane. People are off all walking aids anywhere from three weeks to two months.

ACL Repair

The ACL is a ligament in the center of your knee that becomes damaged when twisted too far. ACL Reconstruction is performed using a combination of open surgery and arthroscopy. Before the ACL reconstruction process begins your surgeon will examine your knee arthroscopically, and repair any additional damage to the knee. Reconstruction of the ACL begins with a small incision in your leg where small tunnels are drilled in the bone. Next your new ACL is brought through these tunnels, and then secured. As healing occurs, the bone tunnels fill in to secure the tendon.

Elbow Treatments

Arthroscopy of the Elbow

Certain injuries to the elbow respond well to arthroscopy, a surgical technique in which the physician inserts a needle-shaped fiber optic telescope, or arthroscope, in the joint through an incision approximately 1/8 inch long. Utilizing instruments as small as 1/10 inch, corrective surgery is performed. Normally done as an outpatient procedure, arthroscopy causes less trauma to the tissues than traditional, more invasive surgeries. You may want to discuss the arthroscopic procedure with your physician to see if it is the right solution for your particular ailment. Your doctor can guide you in this regard and explain what to expect, including your timetable for recovery.

Shoulder Treatments

Arthroscopic Surgery of the Shoulder

If your physician recommends arthroscopy for your shoulder problem, you can expect it to be performed as an outpatient (same day) procedure. You may have certain lab tests on the day of surgery, and you will be instructed not to eat or drink anything after midnight of the night before your arthroscopic procedure. More than likely you will be given a general anesthetic, which will put you to sleep during the surgery. The procedure itself usually takes from one to two hours. Your doctor will use an arthroscope (miniature telescope) to view your should joint. Using extremely small instruments, he will then make tiny incisions and perform the corrective measures dictated by your particular injury. Next, the incisions will be stitched or taped and bandaged for protections.