SERVICES

Arthroscopy

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by orthopaedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems. It involves inserting a small camera, called an arthroscope, through a tiny incision to view the inside of a joint in real time. This allows for precise evaluation and treatment of conditions affecting joints such as the knee, shoulder, hip, and wrist without the need for large incisions.

Benefits of Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional open surgery, including:

  • Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions result in less tissue damage and scarring
  • Faster Recovery Time: Patients typically heal quicker than with open surgery
  • Reduced Pain and Swelling: Less trauma to surrounding tissues leads to lower post-operative discomfort
  • Lower Risk of Complications: Reduced risk of infections and blood clots compared to open surgery
  • Outpatient Procedure: Most patients can return home the same day, reducing hospital stays
  • Improved Diagnostic Accuracy: Direct visualization of joint structures helps in precise diagnosis and targeted treatment

Arthroscopy offers a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat joint issues effectively. Contact us to determine whether arthroscopy is the right option for you.

What Can Arthroscopy Diagnose?

What Can Arthroscopy Diagnose?

Arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose a variety of joint conditions, including:

  • Torn ligaments and cartilage damage (e.g., ACL or meniscus tears)
  • Joint inflammation such as synovitis
  • Loose bone fragments or cartilage within the joint
  • Joint infections
  • Osteoarthritis and other degenerative conditions
  • Unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  • Recurrent joint dislocations
  • Soft tissue injuries around the joint

What Does Arthroscopy Treat?

In addition to diagnosing joint issues, arthroscopy is also used for treatment. Common procedures include:

  • Repairing or removing torn cartilage (e.g., meniscectomy or meniscus repair)
  • Ligament reconstruction (e.g., ACL reconstruction)
  • Removing inflamed or damaged synovial tissue
  • Removing loose bone or cartilage fragments
  • Treating shoulder impingement and rotator cuff tears
  • Treating joint infections through lavage and debridement
  • Smoothing rough cartilage surfaces to relieve pain from arthritis
  • Treating hip labral tears
What Does Arthroscopy Treat?

Common Types of Arthroscopy in Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgeons frequently perform arthroscopy on various joints, including:

  • Knee Arthroscopy: Used for meniscus repair, ACL reconstruction, and cartilage restoration
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy: Helps repair rotator cuff tears, labral tears, and treat impingement syndrome
  • Hip Arthroscopy: Addresses femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, and cartilage damage
  • Ankle Arthroscopy: Treats ankle instability, loose cartilage, and synovitis
  • Wrist Arthroscopy: Used for ligament injuries, ganglion cyst removal, and carpal tunnel release

Who is a Suitable Candidate for Arthroscopy?

Candidates for arthroscopy typically include individuals experiencing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or instability that does not respond to conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections. Suitable candidates should:

  • Have persistent joint pain affecting daily activities
  • Have imaging results (MRI, X-rays) indicating structural damage
  • Be in good overall health to undergo surgery
  • Have realistic expectations about recovery and outcomes
Who is a Suitable Candidate for Arthroscopy?
How is Arthroscopy Performed?

How is Arthroscopy Performed?

Arthroscopy is performed as an outpatient procedure under local, regional, or general anesthesia. The steps include:

  • Incision – The surgeon makes a small incision near the affected joint
  • Insertion of Arthroscope – A thin, fiber-optic camera is inserted into the joint to provide a clear, magnified view
  • Diagnosis and Treatment – The surgeon evaluates the joint structures and, if necessary, inserts surgical instruments through additional small incisions to perform repairs
  • Closure – The incisions are closed with sutures or adhesive strips
  • Recovery – The patient is monitored in a recovery room before being discharged home the same day

What to Expect Before and After Arthroscopy

Before Arthroscopy
After Arthroscopy

Before Arthroscopy

  • Medical evaluation, including imaging tests
  • Discussion of anaesthesia options with the orthopaedic surgeon
  • Instructions on fasting before surgery
  • Arranging for assistance after surgery
Risks of Arthroscopy

Risks of Arthroscopy

While arthroscopy is generally safe, risks include:

  • Infection at the incision sites
  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
  • Nerve or blood vessel damage
  • Persistent pain or stiffness
  • Bleeding within the joint
  • Need for additional surgery in some cases
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For more information about our services, or to make an appointment, please reach out to us. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Recovery varies but generally ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on the procedure and the individual’s healing process.
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Sports Injuries
Orthopaedic Trauma
Knee
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Mt Elizabeth Novena #05-24, 38 Irrawaddy Road, Singapore 329563 View on Google Maps

Farrer Park Hospital Connexion, #08-20, 1 Farrer Park Station Road, Singapore 217562View on Google Maps

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Monday to Friday : 9am to 5pm
Saturday : 9am to 1pm
Sunday & Public Holidays : Closed