Artroscopy Procedures

The most important advantage of arthroscopy compared to open surgery is that it causes much less tissue damage. Thanks to the small incisions:

• The risk of infection decreases,
• There is less blood loss,
• Scarring remains minimal,
• Patients recover faster.

However, as with any surgical procedure, arthroscopy also carries certain risks. Rarely, infection, bleeding, nerve injury, or joint stiffness may occur. These complications usually improve in a short time with appropriate treatment.

Arthroscopy is one of the most important minimally invasive surgical methods modern medicine offers for joint health. This technique, which allows direct visualization of the inside of the joint, is applied for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. It is used to evaluate and treat joint problems caused by injuries, wear, or various diseases. Thanks to advantages such as less tissue damage, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays, arthroscopy procedures are widely preferred today.

At A Life Health Group, we address the definition of arthroscopy, the types of procedures, application areas, and the recovery process in detail.

Arthroscopy is a surgical method that allows examination of the inside of a joint using an arthroscope, a thin, illuminated tube connected to a camera. During the procedure, a few millimeter-sized small incisions are made around the joint, and the arthroscope is inserted into the joint cavity through these openings. Thanks to the camera, the ligaments, cartilage structures, and other tissues inside the joint can be visualized in high resolution.

The most important advantage of arthroscopy is that it requires much smaller incisions compared to open surgery, reduces the risk of infection, and allows the patient to return to normal life in a shorter time. While traditional surgical methods require large incisions, arthroscopy involves minimal intervention in the tissue. For this reason, arthroscopy has become one of the most commonly used methods in orthopedics and traumatology.

Arthroscopy is not only a diagnostic method. During arthroscopy, the surgeon can directly repair many problems such as meniscus tears, ligament ruptures, or cartilage damage. Thus, both diagnosis and treatment are possible in a single procedure.

Arthroscopy can be used for various procedures in different joints. The types of procedures may vary depending on which joint is involved. Here are some examples of common arthroscopy procedures:

• Knee Arthroscopy: Used in the treatment of meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, removal of loose fragments, and cartilage repair.
• Shoulder Arthroscopy: Applied in cases such as rotator cuff tears, shoulder dislocation, labrum repair, and removal of inflamed tissue.
• Hip Arthroscopy: Performed for labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and removal of loose bone fragments.
• Ankle Arthroscopy: Used in the treatment of ligament injuries, cartilage damage, and impingement syndromes.
• Wrist Arthroscopy: Provides solutions for ligament injuries, cartilage problems, and ganglion cysts.
• Elbow Arthroscopy: Applied in conditions such as stiffness, loose bodies, and cartilage damage in the joint.

These minimally invasive procedures help patients recover faster and regain joint function with less pain compared to open surgery.

The shoulder is prone to injuries due to having the widest range of motion among joints. Shoulder arthroscopy plays an important role, especially in treating injuries frequently seen in athletes.

With shoulder arthroscopy:

• Rotator cuff tears can be repaired
• Labrum (glenoid labrum) injuries can be corrected
• Shoulder dislocations and instability can be treated
• Bone spurs within the joint can be removed
• Frozen shoulder can be treated with adhesion release

Thanks to this procedure, the large incisions and long recovery periods associated with open surgery are avoided. Most patients can return to their daily activities within a few weeks.

Although elbow arthroscopy is less commonly performed compared to other joints, it is highly effective. It is preferred for issues such as stiffness, pain, and limited range of motion in the elbow joint.

With elbow arthroscopy, the following can be done:

• Treatment of conditions such as tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
• Repair of cartilage and ligament injuries
• Removal of loose bodies
• Relief of elbow stiffness

Arthroscopy offers a quick and effective solution, especially for elbow problems resulting from repetitive strain.

The wrist joint, despite its small size, has a complex anatomical structure. Therefore, diagnosing and treating its disorders can be challenging. Wrist arthroscopy allows a detailed examination of the joint using a minimally invasive method.

With wrist arthroscopy:

• Carpal tunnel syndrome can be treated
• Ligament injuries can be repaired
• Cartilage surfaces can be corrected
• Synovial cysts can be removed

This procedure is particularly useful in identifying the source of wrist pain.

Hip arthroscopy has become an increasingly common method in recent years. Since the hip joint is deeply located, the diagnosis and treatment process can be challenging. However, with arthroscopy, many problems can be addressed through a minimally invasive approach.

Hip arthroscopy is used in the following situations:

• Repair of labrum tears
• Treatment of femoroacetabular impingement (impingement syndrome)
• Correction of cartilage damage
• Management of hip dislocation issues

The recovery process after hip arthroscopy varies from person to person, but most patients can relieve their pain within a few weeks.

The examples above are only some of the applications, and the scope of arthroscopy is broader. Each procedure is evaluated and planned by the surgeon according to the individual condition and joint problem. Arthroscopy is customized to perform procedures suitable for the patient’s condition.

Arthroscopy is an effective surgical method for joint problems and offers various advantages. As A Life Health Group, we are here to provide all information and support regarding joint health. If you experience issues with your knees, shoulders, legs, or other joints, you should consult a specialist and undergo the necessary treatments. Take care of your health and take steps to regain your mobility!