When joint pain or injuries start affecting your daily life, finding the right treatment is key. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we’re proud to offer arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical technique designed to diagnose and treat a wide range of joint problems.
What Is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive orthopedic procedure that allows your doctor to see inside a joint without making large incisions. Using a small camera called an arthroscope, we can view the joint’s interior on a screen and perform necessary repairs with tiny surgical instruments.
Common joints treated with arthroscopy include the knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, and elbow. Because arthroscopy involves smaller incisions, it usually means less pain, faster healing, and smaller scars compared to traditional open surgery.
Why Would You Need an Arthroscopy?
You might be a candidate for arthroscopy if you’re dealing with joint pain, swelling, instability, or limited movement that doesn’t improve with non-surgical treatments. Arthroscopy can help diagnose and treat a variety of issues, such as:
- Torn cartilage or ligaments (like ACL or meniscus tears)
- Inflammation (such as synovitis)
- Loose bone or cartilage fragments
- Shoulder impingement or rotator cuff tears
- Recurrent joint dislocations
In short, if joint problems are keeping you from doing the things you love, arthroscopy could offer a safe, effective solution.
How Arthroscopy Works
During an arthroscopic procedure, we make a few very small incisions around the affected joint. Through one incision, we insert the arthroscope, which is a slender tube with a tiny camera and light on the end, to get a clear, magnified view of the inside of your joint. Through the other small incisions, we insert specialized instruments to repair any damage. Because arthroscopy is less invasive than open surgery, you can expect reduced pain, minimal scarring, and a quicker return to activities.
Common Types of Arthroscopy We Perform
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we regularly perform arthroscopy on several joints:
Knee Arthroscopy
Used to repair torn meniscus, remove loose cartilage, reconstruct ligaments, and treat knee arthritis.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Ideal for treating rotator cuff tears, labral tears, frozen shoulder, and shoulder impingement.
Ankle, Wrist, and Elbow Arthroscopy
Though less common, arthroscopy of these joints can help treat cartilage injuries, loose bodies, or instability.
Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery
Patients often choose arthroscopy for its many advantages over traditional open surgery, including:
- Smaller incisions and less scarring
- Reduced pain and swelling
- Lower risk of infection
- Faster recovery and return to normal activities
- Outpatient surgery in many cases (no overnight hospital stay)
By minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues, arthroscopy helps you heal more quickly, getting you back to doing what you enjoy sooner.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Arthroscopy
Before your procedure, we will give you detailed instructions about how to prepare, including whether to avoid eating or drinking beforehand and when to stop certain medications. Most arthroscopies are done under local, regional, or general anesthesia.
Arthroscopy usually takes about 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of your case. You’ll be comfortable and monitored closely throughout.
Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, many patients go home the same day. You’ll need to rest, ice the joint, and keep it elevated. Physical therapy often plays a big role in your recovery, helping restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Most patients can return to light activities within a few days and more vigorous activities within a few weeks, depending on the joint and procedure performed.
Is Arthroscopy Right for You?
Every patient is different, and not every joint issue requires surgery. However, if conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or medications haven’t provided relief, arthroscopy may be the next step. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we take the time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle goals, and overall health to recommend the right treatment plan for you.
If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain or limited movement, it’s worth scheduling a consultation to learn more about your options.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you’re ready to move without pain again, we’re here to help. Schedule a consultation with Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center in Charlottesville, VA, to see if arthroscopy is right for you.
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Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
I called for an appointment and had one in 2 days. As soon as I got in I was greeted and only had to wait a minute for the x-ray technician to come get me. Appointment only took 30 minutes and I left with a complete understanding of what was wrong with my wrist.
Great Orthopaedic Center! Dr Nielsen, Natalie Smith and the Staff are all so friendly and thorough with all my healthcare needs! Keep up the GREAT Work! Thanks again!
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
