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Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy has revolutionized
the treatment of joint injuries.
In the past, treatment
of orthopedic injuries involved extensive surgery, including large incisions,
a hospital stay, and a prolonged recovery period.
But today, with the
help of an arthroscope, today's orthopedic surgeon can easily examine,
diagnose, and treat problems in the joint that previously may have been
difficult to identify. |
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The arthroscope is
a small fiber-optic viewing instrument made up of a tiny lens, light source
and video camera.
The surgical
instruments used in arthroscopic surgery are very small (only 3
or 4 mm in diameter), but appear much larger when viewed through
an arthroscope. Shown at right
-- both as it appears on the operating table and when viewed arthroscopically
-- is a probe, used for examination of internal structures (in this
case the underside of a patella, or kneecap).
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The surgeon
inserts the arthroscope into the joint through a tiny incision (about
1/4 of an inch) called a portal. Two or three incisions may
be made for portals. Other portals are used for the insertion of
surgical instruments, such as the probe shown above. Typical incision
sites and sizes for knee arthroscopy are shown at left. These incisions
result in very small scars which in many cases are unnoticeable. |
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More About Arthroscopic Surgery >>
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