What Is Sports Medicine Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that surgeons use to repair sports-related injuries. Arthroscopy allows a surgeon to work within an enclosed joint space while using a small camera and long, thin tools inserted through tiny incisions. Shoulder arthroscopy, elbow arthroscopy, wrist arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, hip arthroscopy and ankle arthroscopy are specialized procedures that can help treat sports-related orthopaedic conditions.
Here are some examples of the conditions that can be treated arthroscopically and the procedures that can be carried out arthroscopically by sports medicine surgeons at University Orthopaedic Associates (UOA).
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Reconstruction
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the most commonly injured ligaments of the knee. An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction via knee arthroscopy can help restore stability to the knee joint, allowing patients to return to pivot and cutting-type sports sooner.
Cartilage Repair
Sports injuries can damage the special cartilage tissue that is an integral component of a joint. Fortunately, arthroscopy can repair damage to cartilage in a minimally invasive fashion.
Debridement of Damaged Articular Cartilage due to Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis can cause damage to knee cartilage and painful symptoms that interfere with physical activity. Knee arthroscopy can help clear damaged cartilage from the knee capsule, opening up the joint space and reducing inflammation.
Distal Clavicle Excision
Inflammation and arthritis of the acromioclavicular (AC) joint can cause pain and suffering. Relief can be found in a technique known as “distal clavicle excision,” which can be performed arthroscopically.
Frozen Shoulder Treatment
Frozen shoulder syndrome (“adhesive capsulitis”) can be treated via shoulder arthroscopy. During this procedure, a surgeon cuts through parts of the joint capsule and breaks up scar tissue. This releases tightness within the capsule and helps improve shoulder function and range of motion.
Meniscectomy and Meniscus Repair
Meniscal tears are common athletic injuries that can cause pain and mechanical symptoms. Knee arthroscopy allows a surgeon to repair a torn meniscus or remove a damaged meniscus, causing an improvement in pain and function.
Removal of Loose or Foreign Bodies
Sports injuries can cause loose or foreign bodies to enter into the joint capsule, triggering pain and reduced range of motion. A simple arthroscopic procedure can remove loose or foreign bodies from the joint capsule, restoring comfort and function.
Rotator Cuff Repair
The rotator cuff is a collection of four tendons that surround the upper end of the arm bone and keep the arm bone secured within the shoulder socket. When the rotator cuff tears, it can greatly reduce the shoulder’s range of motion and stability. Shoulder arthroscopy can repair tears in the rotator cuff, thereby enhancing athletic function.
Shoulder Impingement
During a shoulder arthroscopy for shoulder impingement, a surgeon uses small instruments to remove debris and bony material from the joint space. This relieves pressure within the tight capsule, freeing the soft tissues within.
Shoulder Labrum Repair
The shoulder labrum is a thickened piece of cartilage within the joint socket that is vulnerable to tearing during sports-related activities. Shoulder arthroscopy can diagnose a torn labrum and repair the condition.
Synovitis
The synovium is a thin layer of connective tissue that lines the inside of your joints and allows for smooth motion. However, when this becomes inflamed (“synovitis”), it can cause pain and reduced range of motion. In a special arthroscopic procedure known as a synovectomy, a surgeon removes the damaged tissue.
What Are the Benefits of Sports Medicine Arthroscopy?
Sports medicine arthroscopic procedures have many benefits. Arthroscopy uses small incisions and small surgical fields to repair sports-related orthopaedic injuries. This minimally invasive approach helps minimize surgical time, pain and scarring. This means patients undergoing arthroscopic procedures typically recover faster and return to sports sooner compared to those who undergo open surgeries.
How to Learn More About Sports Medicine Arthroscopy
If you have pain or dysfunction stemming from a sports-related orthopaedic injury, relief is possible through minimally invasive arthroscopy. Contact the sports medicine surgeons at UOA today to learn more about how arthroscopy can help.
