Arthroscopic surgery

What is arthroscopic surgery?

The term "arthroscopy" comes from Greek and translates to "joint inspection." Arthroscopic surgery refers to minimally invasive procedures where both a camera and specialized instruments are inserted into a joint through very small skin incisions. To improve visibility and simplify the procedure, the joint is filled with a sterile saline solution. The operation is displayed in real time on a high-resolution monitor, allowing the surgeon to operate with precision using fine instruments.

Which joints can be treated with arthroscopy?

The large joints of the body are most frequently operated on by arthroscopy. This particularly includes endoscopies of the knee, shoulder and hip joints. It can also be used on smaller joints, such as the wrist, elbow, and both the upper and lower ankle joints.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic procedures offer many advantages for patients. In addition to leaving smaller and more cosmetically appealing scars,  it also has a quicker recovery and involves fewer complications. By using small incisions, known as portal incisions, there is no need to make large skin openings or cut through deeper tissue layers. This reduces damage to healthy tissue, which lowers the risk of post-operative infections and minimizes the amount of tissue that needs to heal.

For patients, this means less post-operative pain and an earlier start to rehabilitation. From a medical perspective, the use of a high-resolution camera allows for a better view of joint structures, often revealing details that would be missed by the naked eye. This enables more precise, tissue-preserving surgery.

What are the risks?

Even minimally invasive surgery carries risks, no matter how tissue-sparing it is. The primary concern is joint infection, which can be minimized through strict sterile protocols. In certain patients, it may be advisable to administer antibiotics prophylactically to further reduce the risk of infection. Nevertheless, it is still possible for pathogens to enter the joint and lead to an infection. If this happens, a sample of joint fluid can be taken to identify the exact bacteria and adjust antibiotic treatment accordingly. In some cases, a second surgery may be required to thoroughly rinse the joint with sterile saline.

To prevent blood clots, the treating doctor will typically prescribe blood thinners, which are commonly injected into the abdominal fat tissue. Patients may also be instructed to stop taking certain medications before surgery, especially those that affect blood clotting.

During the procedure, the joint is often manipulated to create more space for the instruments, which can put stress on surrounding structures. This may cause temporary pain in the joint, which usually resolves on its own. In rare cases, there may be ligament tears or, even more rarely, nerve damage.

Post-operative pain can vary depending on the extent of the surgery, but it typically subsides faster than after comparable open surgeries.

Which doctors and clinics specialize in arthroscopic surgery?

Patients with joint problems should consult specialists in orthopedics and trauma surgery. For injuries or conditions that require surgery, it is advisable to choose a specialist with a surgical focus. Within orthopedics and trauma surgery, there are experts who specialize in specific areas, such as knee or shoulder arthroscopy.

Anyone in need of a doctor would expect the best possible medical care for themselves. Therefore, patients are looking for the most suitable clinic for their needs. Since this is not an objective decision and a respectable doctor would refrain from claiming to be the best, patients must trust the experience of a doctor.

We can help you find an appropriate expert for your condition. All the doctors and clinics listed have undergone extensive review and have been verified by us for their outstanding expertise in the field of arthroscopic surgery. They are looking forward to and are ready to address your questions and treatment requests.

At PRIMO MEDICO, you will find exclusively experienced specialists and clinics for arthroscopic surgery in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.