If you’re having joint problems restricting your movements and limiting your quality of life, you may be a candidate for arthroscopy, which makes it possible for your doctor to diagnose and treat the problem. Arthroscopy is routinely used by joint doctors and orthopedic surgeons. Studies show that almost 2 million arthroscopic procedures are performed each year.
At Next Step Orthopedics in McKinney, Texas, board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dominique Nickson, offers the most advanced medical techniques and treatments, including arthroscopy. In this blog, he explains more about the process and how it can help you.
Understanding arthroscopy
During an arthroscopy procedure, Dr. Nickson makes a tiny incision in your skin, where he inserts ultra-thin instruments that illuminate and magnify the inside of your troubled joint. The scope relays images back to a screen to get a close look to diagnose the problem. The procedure works well on any joint, but it’s generally used for knees, wrists, hips, ankles, shoulders, and elbows.
Ways that arthroscopy can help you
While Dr. Nickson is taking a look around inside your joint, he discovers problems or conditions and, in most cases, treats it right then. Some of the ways he can help improve your joint health are:
- Clears up infections
- Repairs torn meniscus
- Removes debris
- Removes damaged tissue
- Repairs torn ligaments
- Releases carpal tunnel
- Reconstructs anterior cruciate ligament
- Removes damaged cartilage
- Shaves bone spurs
- Extracts abnormal growths
- Correct shoulder impingement
- Fixes hip dysplasia
- Pulls out scar tissue
- Takes out calcium deposits
The most noticeable way that arthroscopy helps is the relief you’ll feel from chronic or acute pain. If you’re swollen and puffy from inflammation, it will clear up shortly after Dr. Nickson conducts the arthroscopy.
Recovering from arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is much less invasive than open surgery and is well tolerated by most patients. Most of the procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so you’ll be discharged the same day to recover in the comfort of your own home. In just a few days, you can resume your regular activities. If you’re an athlete, Dr. Nickson will give you special instructions about returning to your training.
If your joint pain or problem is making you suffer, and you cannot move around well, turn to our dedicated and knowledgeable team at Next Step Orthopedics. You can call us at (972) 547-0047 or book an appointment online.