New York’s Leading Physicians in Arthroscopic Surgery
NY Orthopedics’ sports medicine offices are built upon a tradition of excellence that spans over 40 years. Our experienced surgeons specialize in surgical joint procedures designed to reduce pain and improve your quality of life. Our offices in NYC and New Jersey are home to some of the top specialty-trained physicians in the country who have served the New York Jets, New York Islanders, and the PGA tour, to name a few.
What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that uses an arthroscope to diagnose and/or treat a damaged joint. During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision – around the size of a fingernail – and inserts an arthroscope to get a full view of any damage to the joint. While viewing the inside of the joint on a high-definition monitor, a surgeon may insert surgical instruments through the same incision to repair any damage to the joint.
How Can Arthroscopic Surgery Improve Your Life?
Arthroscopic surgery allows surgeons to see inside the joint without making a large incision. This results in less pain, minimal soft tissue trauma, and faster recovery times. Patients who undergo arthroscopic surgery experience less pain and better mobility overall. While each patient’s recovery is different, many people are able to get back to their daily routines within a few days.
When is Arthroscopy Performed?
Arthroscopic examination is performed to help diagnose and treat a variety of joint issues. The procedure allows doctors to view the affected area up close without causing extensive damage to the surrounding tissue. Below are some common conditions and procedures where arthroscopy may be needed.
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Torn Meniscus Knee Injury
Meniscus surgery involves removing or repairing a torn meniscus, a small, C-shaped piece of cartilage in the knee that sits between the shinbone and the thighbone. Arthroscopic knee surgery allows the surgeon to enter the knee through a small incision, examine the damage and either remove affected tissue or repair the meniscus.
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ACL Injury
A sprain or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most notorious injuries in professional sports, causing long-term inactivity and, in some cases, ending a career altogether. The ACL is a ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shinbone, right behind the knee. Many people who experience an ACL injury report hearing a pop, which then leads to intense swelling and pain, making it very difficult to put weight on the affected leg. Minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery helps patients recover faster. During the procedure, a surgeon makes a small incision in the skin around the knee and repairs the ligament using tissue from the patient (autograft) or from a donor (allograft).
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Elbow Osteoarthritis
Cartilage acts as a cushion that allows joints to move smoothly. Over time, that cartilage can thin out, causing bones to grind against one another. Elbow osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage between the ulna and the humerus thins, which can lead to bone spurs or osteophytes that can cause pain and discomfort. An arthroscopic examination allows the surgeon to diagnose the problem and either remove the diseased cartilage and replace it (elbow arthroplasty) or fuse the bones (elbow arthrodesis).
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Femoroacetabular (Hip) Impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement (FIA) or hip impingement occurs when the ball of the hip starts making contact with the cup of the hip, pinching the tendon between the two. Over time, this can lead to damage to the cartilage, which can cause pain and stiffness. During an arthroscopic procedure, a doctor will examine the joint with the arthroscope to shave down the bones, so they don’t touch.
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Torn Rotator Cuff
A torn rotator cuff occurs when there is a tear in the shoulder’s tendons, resulting in pain and loss of mobility. While it is more common in athletes and people over 40, anyone can tear their rotator cuff, normally through lifting heavy objects overhead. During an arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, the surgeon will make an incision and insert the camera and surgical equipment to repair the tear.
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Common Wrist Injuries
Several conditions can affect the wrist, including chronic wrist pain, wrist fractures, ligament tears, carpel tunnel, and more. During wrist arthroscopy surgery, a doctor will insert an arthroscope into the wrist to diagnose the problem or repair cartilage, ligaments, or tendons.
What to Expect When Going in for the Treatment
Several types of anesthesia might be used depending on the condition and procedure. They include:
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Local Anesthesia
Numbing agents are injected just below the skin, and numbness is contained within the affected area, like your wrist. The patient remains awake during this approach.
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Regional Anesthesia
The numbing agent is applied through your spine, which numbs half of your body while the patient stays awake.
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General Anesthesia
Anesthesia is delivered through the veins, allowing the surgeon to work while the patient is unconscious.
Recovery After Arthroscopy Surgery
Recovery times for arthroscopy can range from 1 week to several months, depending on the procedure. A doctor will likely prescribe pain medication after the procedure. The doctor may also apply a splint to speed healing. Patients should get plenty of rest and apply ice to the area to reduce swelling. In the later weeks, a doctor may suggest exercises to improve the overall function of the joint.
Arthroscopy Surgeons
MATTHEW (TEO) MENDEZ-ZFASS, M.D.
NY Orthopedics has multiple sports medicine offices in New York City including Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island, as well as the surrounding counties including Nassau, Westchester and Rockland. To learn more about our services or make an appointment, contact us today!
