The Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
In the unfortunate event that a professional athlete sustains a sports-related injury, special medical care is likely required to return them to life’s daily activities. As a result of this increase in demand and severity, the healthcare industry has experienced drastic technological advancements to improve arthroscopic surgery.
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive approach applied in orthopedic medicine. The procedure is completed via the use of a medical device known as an “arthroscope” — a small camera passed via a tiny incision that allows an orthopedic surgeon to visualize the inner section of an affected joint.
Today, this type of surgery has become a popular alternative to some of the most common joint pain relieving treatments. It’s also important to note that this type of treatment is not just reserved for professional athletes, but rather, for anyone who is in need of the benefits associated with pain relief and rehabilitation.
The Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
It‘s a minimally-invasive procedure
Relative to other conventional open surgery methods, you will discover that this sort of treatment is significantly less invasive. For instance, the fact that it’s practiced using a series of small injections means that the possibility of scarring is little to none. Also, as a result, past patients tend to agree that such an arthroscopic procedure is not painful.
Involves a shorter recovery period
Due to the fact that arthroscopic surgery does not require any surgical cutting through the patient’s tendons and muscles, the recovery period usually takes less time when compared to other traditional open surgery practices.
Less risk is involved
Since arthroscopic surgery is a minimally-invasive procedure, the risk involved for a patient is usually much less. As a result, this is one of the primary reasons why athletes and other individuals opt for this procedure when it comes to treatment of their joint pain.
Effectiveness
Relative to other medical instruments, the surgical instruments and tools used in arthroscopic surgery are quite small. Due to their small size, a surgeon can be more effective in reaching the hard-to-get areas. By using a tiny video monitor, any damaged joint tissues such as cartilage, ligaments, and menisci can be diagnosed and repaired. It’s even possible to conduct an arthroscopic examination of any joint in the body, including those in the knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist, hip, or ankle.
Consult with a Bay Area Sports Medicine Doctor
Dr. Jeffrey Halbrecht is an experienced and reputable San Francisco orthopedic doctor who can restore you to good health through arthroscopic surgery and other orthopedic medicine procedures. Based in San Francisco, Dr. Halbrecht specializes in arthroscopic surgery and the treatment of knee and shoulder injuries. Appointments for consultation and treatment are available at the Institute for Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine by calling (415) 923-0944, or book an appointment directly online.