Knee Care & Arthroscopic Procedures
Experts in Orthopedic Knee Surgery and Patient Care
Potential benefits of arthroscopic surgery when compared with traditional “open” surgery often include:
- Less pain following the procedure
- A Lower risk of complications
- Shorter hospital stay or the procedure may be done as outpatient surgery
- Quicker recovery
- Smaller and less scarring
At OCC – Colorado Orthopedic Consultants, we understand that pain in the knee can make life and everyday activities difficult. If you think you may be suffering from a knee condition or injury, like an ACL injury or damaged cartilage; we invite you to consult with an expert knee doctor at OCC – Colorado Orthopedic Consultants by calling (303) 695-6060.
Arthroscopic knee surgery combined with an excellent physical therapy plan can help jump-start your return to the lifestyle and activities you enjoy.
Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure during which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the joint. In arthroscopic examination, a small incision is made in the patient’s skin through which pencil-sized instruments that have a small lens and lighting system (arthroscope) are passed. Arthroscope magnifies and illuminates the structures of the joint with the light that is transmitted through fiber optics. It is attached to a television camera and the interior of the joint is seen on the television monitor.
Arthroscopic Examinations
- Arthroscopic examination of joints is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions
- Inflammation: Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle
- Acute or chronic injury: Injuries to the shoulder, knee and wrist joint such as cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome
- Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint
- Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that becomes logged within the joint
During arthroscopic surgery, either a general, spinal or local anesthesia will be given depending on the condition. A small incision of the size of a buttonhole is made through which the arthroscope is inserted. Other accessory incisions will be made through which specially designed instruments are inserted. After the procedure is completed arthroscope is removed and incisions are closed. You may be instructed about the incision care, activities to be avoided and exercises to be performed for faster recovery.
Some of the possible complications after arthroscopy include infection, phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein), excessive swelling, bleeding, blood vessel or nerve damage and instrument breakage.
Recovery
OCC – Colorado Orthopedic Consultants understands the importance of Physical and Occupational Therapy and the vital role they play during the rehabilitation process.
Physical and Occupational Therapists are rehabilitation professionals who evaluate and treat individuals of all ages who have medical or surgical problems or illness or injuries that limit their functional activities. Through exercise, manual therapy, mechanical devices, physical agents that may include heat, cold, electricity, soundwaves and other treatments we help our patients recover from their surgery and regain function.