Arthroscopy (To Look Inside a Joint)
At WestSound Orthopaedics in Silverdale, Washington our orthopedic surgeons are the area’s recognized experts for arthroscopy. The arthroscope is a narrow fiber-optic tube about the same thickness as a pencil. The fiber-optic light magnifies and illuminates the joint. There is a tiny video camera attached to the arthroscope that relays pictures of the inside of the joint to an eyepiece and monitor in the room. The surgeon can examine the joint area, pinpoint problems and provide treatment all at one time.
Prior to the 1970s, most orthopaedic problems were addressed by performing major complex surgeries, which generally included in-patient hospital care. In addition patients were left with a large scar at the surgery site and recovery time was extensive. The introduction of arthroscopy changed this approach dramatically.
Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows the orthopaedic surgeon to inspect and repair knee or shoulder problems without making a large incision and is usually done in an out-patient setting. More importantly, arthroscopy allows for much quicker recovery time, thus allowing patients to get back to their normal routines faster.
Please visit our Patient Education Library to learn more about arthroscopy.
For more information about arthroscopy in Silverdale, Washington, please call WestSound Orthopaedics at 360.698.6630 or use our online appointment request form.