Jakarta, IO – Arthroscopy minimally-invasive therapy has advantages over conventional joint surgery: minimal incisions and a shorter recovery process. Joint disorders suitable for treatment through arthroscopy include fractures, tears in ligaments or meniscus, joint infections, and inflammation of the joint lining. Risk factors for knee and shoulder joint disorders are type of job and body weight. Athletes, especially runners, basketball or football players, as well as police or soldiers, are particularly susceptible to knee and shoulder injuries.
“Women are also more susceptible than men, as a result of hormonal changes; also, those who are overweight will be in danger. With its superiority and sophistication, arthroscopy became one of the greatest breakthroughs in orthopedic surgery of the 20th Century. Each year, nearly 1,700,000 shoulder and 750,000 knee arthroscopic procedures are performed in the United States,” said dr. Liauw Roger Leo, Sp.OT, orthopedic and traumatology specialist from Dr. Indrajana Clinic, Jakarta, at a media meeting on Thursday (29/2/2024).
The most common joint injury to the knee is a torn meniscus. “A torn meniscus can result from any activity that causes you to forcefully twist or rotate your knee, such as aggressive pivoting or sudden stops and turns. This injury can also be the result of degenerative knee conditions in the elderly. Symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. The initial treatment can be conservative, but if it doesn’t heal, you will be directed to arthroscopic therapy before the problem becomes more serious,” he explained.
A Small Optic Camera
Before undergoing an arthroscopic procedure, patients are asked to fast and stop taking certain medications. The patient will be anesthetized and then several small incisions will be made in the injured knee or shoulder. Next, a very small fiber optic camera is inserted through the incision that has been made. Through this camera, the image of the condition of the joints will be projected onto a monitor screen. At the same time, a saline solution is pumped into the knee area, through another incision, to obtain a clearer image. Then a small instrument will be inserted through yet another incision if it encountered a problem there. Once the procedure is completed, the saline solution will be drained and the incision will be stitched up.
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“In conventional surgery, incisions tend to be large, so the joint area is at a higher risk of infection. Surgical scars also require intensive care to avoid complications. Patients require hospitalization during the healing process due to post-operative pain. With arthroscopy, the incision is only about 1 cm and the surgical scar tends to heal quickly. Patients only need to be observed and can go home immediately, so the costs incurred are minimal. The healing duration is short; patients can return to their activities more quickly or undergo post-operative therapy if necessary.”
With a success rate of 90%, arthroscopy can be a solution for patients with joint disorders to improve their quality of life. “This procedure functions as a diagnostic tool for joint disorders, especially in the shoulders and knees, as well as therapy in some cases. With minimal post-operative pain, arthroscopy will be able to change the stigma regarding joint surgery – which can be scary,” he concluded. (est)