Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique used to diagnose and treat joint problems. The procedure involves the use of a small camera, called an arthroscope, which is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The arthroscope allows Dr. Munde to view the inside of the joint on a monitor and perform surgery using small instruments.
Arthroscopy can be performed on many joints in the body, including the knee, shoulder, hip, ankle, elbow, and wrist. The procedure is commonly used to diagnose and treat conditions such as torn cartilage, damaged ligaments, and arthritis.
Before the procedure, the patient is given anesthesia, either general anesthesia or a regional block. A small incision, typically less than 1 cm, is made in the skin over the joint. A sterile saline solution is then injected into the joint to expand it and provide a clear view for the arthroscope.
The arthroscope is then inserted into the joint through the incision. The camera on the end of the arthroscope transmits images to a monitor in the operating room, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint in real-time. Small instruments, such as scissors or shavers, can be inserted through additional incisions to remove damaged tissue or repair the joint.
