Arthroscopy is derived from 2 Greek words, ‘Arthros’ meaning ‘Joints’ and ‘Scope’ meaning ‘to see’.
In simple terms, we can define arthroscopy as visualizing interior of human joints through a camera. All human joints allow a safe insertion of 4mm camera and instruments at strategic points, thereby allowing surgeons to see and repair the damaged issue. What are the Advantages of Arthroscopy?
Key symptoms and patterns
Arthroscopy requires the surgeon to cut a lesser amount of tissue to reach the joint as compared to open joint surgery. This causes less pain and increases the chances of quick recovery. The arthroscope (camera) magnifies the field of view and allows the surgeon to operate delicately with millimetre precision.
The areas of joints that were inaccessible to operate through open surgery can now easily be operated through arthroscopy. Let us explore the realms of fascinating minimally invasive surgery through FAQs: Which joints of the human body can be treated by arthroscopy? Nearly all the joints can be treated.
Knee arthroscopy forms the major chunk of our surgical volume, followed by the shoulder. One can also do this procedure on the elbow, ankle, wrist & very recently the hip joint. Is arthroscopy only for sportspersons?
Common causes and risk factors
No, it is merely coincidental that most injuries that require arthroscopy are a result of injuries in various types of sport. In fact majority of our surgical volume is directed towards an occasional athlete or a non athlete, who has sustained injury in a domestic or roadside accident.
What are the common knee diseases that require arthroscopy? Ligament injuries of the knee are the most common reason to do knee arthroscopy. If you have injured your knee in an accident or while playing sports and feel that the knee is loose (unstable) then you will surely benefit from arthroscopy.
Certain people experience recurrent episode of locking the knee, which can be easily treated by arthroscopy. These days dislocations of kneecap are also treated through arthroscopy. What are the common shoulder diseases that require arthroscopy?
Diagnosis and evaluation
Recurrent dislocation of the shoulder is a common sporting injury that can be very well treated by arthroscopy. Our senior patients, especially diabetics are prone to shoulder injuries like tearing of shoulder tendons (rotator cuff tear), which prevents them from lifting their arms.
Frozen shoulder is another common problem affecting diabetics. In this condition, the shoulder becomes very stiff. If it persists despite adequate medications and physiotherapy, arthroscopy is a good alternative. What are the common elbow, wrist & ankle diseases that require arthroscopy?
Tennis elbow that hasn't responded to medications & physiotherapy can be cured by elbow arthroscopy. Similarly certain wrist fractures, inflammations are amenable to wrist arthroscopy. Chronic ankle pain resulting from sprains, inflammation etc can be cured by ankle arthroscopy.
What are the common hip diseases that require arthroscopy
What are the common hip diseases that require arthroscopy? Hip joint is one of the deepest joints of the human body. Severe pain in the hip of young patients can be treated by hip arthroscopy. Early stages of hip arthritis can also be treated from arthroscopic re-shaping of the hip.
This is an exciting field and new advancements are added to this spectrum. What is the usual procedure for getting an arthroscopy? You will be examined by a fellowship trained sports surgeon, who will decide if arthroscopy is appropriate for you.
Though most surgeries are done as a day care or short stay surgery, wherein you get discharged from the hospital from 24-48hours. Regional anaesthesia (spinal & epidural) is given for the lower limb procedures & general anaesthesia is preferred for the upper limb procedures.
Consult Dr. Kumar Deepak in Lucknow
Persistent joint, bone, or muscle symptoms deserve a structured evaluation rather than repeated self-treatment alone.
Dr. Kumar Deepak — M.S. Ortho (Gold Medalist), F.I.J.R | ASAMI | AO Trauma — consults at The OrthoVision Clinic and Remedy Medicity, Lucknow. Call to book an appointment and discuss a plan suited to your activity level.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I see an orthopaedic specialist instead of waiting?
Seek review if pain lasts more than a few weeks, disturbs sleep, causes limping, or limits work and daily tasks despite rest and simple measures.
Does this information replace an in-person examination?
No. Online guides help you understand options, but diagnosis depends on clinical examination and investigations tailored to your case.
Where can I get orthopaedic care in Lucknow?
Dr. Kumar Deepak sees patients at The OrthoVision Clinic (Ahmamau, Sultanpur Road) and Remedy Medicity, Lucknow.