Arthroscopy and Arthroplasty

Arthroscopy and arthroplasty are two minimally invasive surgical types

A traditional or open surgical procedure is one that opens up an area fully. Minimally-invasive procedures encompass both small incision surgeries and those with minimally invasive techniques that do not open up an area fully. The type of procedure that is chosen will depend on whether you meet the patient selection criteria for minimally invasive surgery, on the location of your joint damage and the severity of your joint condition.

Arthroscopy is the procedure in which the examination and treatment of the damage of the interior part of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of camera that is inserted into the joint through a small incision and allows the surgeon a view of the joint area on a video monitor. A second incision is made for the insertion of small surgical instruments that are used both to diagnose and to perform what is needed during the operation—removing damaged tissue, suturing and other repairs. Arthroscopy can be used to treat a range of problems, including osteoarthritis, tears, joint injuries, and inflammatory or non-inflammatory conditions.

Arthroplasty, often called joint replacement, is an operative procedure in which the arthritic or damaged surfaces of bone are removed and replaced with something better, called a prosthesis. The joint can also be remodeled or realigned. The goal is to reduce your pain and restore the function of a joint through resurfacing, realigning or replacing the joint itself with man-made, long-lasting materials. Common types of arthroplasty include hip, knee, and shoulder replacement. The procedure is used to treat damage from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, joint injuries, osteonecrosis, and other joint damage from disease or injury. Joint Replacement is usually done after nonsurgical treatment and physical therapy have failed, and the replacement can be partial or total.