When you have severe or chronic joint pain from injuries or an underlying condition, surgery might be a treatment option to consider. Traditional surgery and arthroscopic surgery are different kinds of procedures that are done for joint pain. In some cases, arthroscopic surgery is recommended over traditional surgery due to the benefits it offers. This type of surgery is minimally invasive, which can make it a more effective and less risky option for treating joint damage. Arthroscopic surgery offers the following advantages over traditional surgery.
Small Incisions
Traditional surgery involves the use of one or more large incisions, while arthroscopic surgery involves the use of smaller incisions. During arthroscopic procedures, surgeons place a tiny camera and surgical tools or instruments inside these incisions. Surgeons can then move the camera around to see inside the joint better and maneuver surgical instruments as needed to repair joint damage. Having smaller incisions helps reduce the risk of having highly visible scars after your surgery.
Lower Risk of Soft Tissue Damage
Having surgery done on your joints comes with the risk of trauma or damage to surrounding tissue during your procedure. Arthroscopic surgery lowers this risk through the use of small incisions and tiny surgical instruments and cameras. Surgeons are able to make more precise repairs to damaged joints with this kind of surgery, leading to a reduced risk of having surrounding tissue accidentally damaged.
Less Pain After Surgery
Since arthroscopic joint surgery is minimally invasive, those who undergo this type of procedure tend to have less pain and discomfort afterwards. Traditional surgery is more invasive, which can cause considerable post-surgical pain, especially if trauma to surrounding tissue occurs. With less pain after arthroscopic surgery, you can look forward to returning to your usual activities shortly afterwards.
Reduced Risk of Infection
While arthroscopic joint surgery is generally considered safe, there is a slight risk of infection afterwards. This can happen if bacteria get into the incisions and infect tissue. With arthroscopic surgery involving the use of smaller incisions, the risk of infections is lower compared to traditional surgery. Following all of the post-care instructions you receive for arthroscopic surgery, such as keeping incisions clean, can reduce the risk of infection even more.
Faster Recovery
Traditional joint surgery often takes more time to recover from compared to arthroscopic surgery. When you have arthroscopic surgery for joint pain, you should have a shorter recovery time overall. Your surgeon will let you know when you can go back to enjoying your usual activities afterwards.
When Arthroscopic Surgery Is an Option
Keep in mind that arthroscopic surgery might not be considered the most suitable treatment option in certain cases. In general, this type of surgery can be used for damage or injuries to the hip, knee, or shoulder, as well as wrist and ankle joints. Your doctor can evaluate your joint pain and let you know if arthroscopic surgery is right for you.
If you’ve been suffering from ongoing joint pain and want to explore treatment options, including arthroscopic surgery, please contact Huntington Orthopedics. We can assess joint pain and recommend effective treatment to help you find relief.