When we look at the word arthroscopy, "arthro" means joint. In a word, arthroscopy means looking inside the knee or joint. This process shows how the advancement of technology is impacting medicine. Because in this way, fiber optic cameras are used to view the knee or joint areas and the area in question is examined in this way. Better than that is closed arthroscopy. The closed arthroscopy method does not show any scars or incisions. Because with this method, no part of the body is cut and this prevents the occurrence of conditions such as disability, disease or pain due to infection after the examination.
Advantages of Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy has great advantages over open surgery. One of them is that since very small (approximately 1 centimeter) incisions are made in the body, these areas do not prevent the patient from returning to normal life after surgery. At the same time, very small tools are used in these processes. The tools are small, the slits are small. For this reason, it is a procedure that almost does not affect the patient's life. After the examination, the cleft closes in a short time and there is no scar.
The arthroscopy method of examination is much more advantageous than normal open surgery. Because in this way, there is no permanent scarring or damage to the body. The patient soon resumes his/her normal life as if nothing had happened. Small instruments and small wounds also mean small pain. For this reason, arthroscopy is the preferred method of examination.
Where is arthroscopy used in the body?
Arthroscopy lives up to its name and is usually used in the knee and joint areas. This can include wrists and ankles, elbows, knees, shoulders and hips. Problems such as tightness and tension in these areas can be easily treated with arthroscopy.
What are the side effects of arthroscopy?
As with anything else, arthroscopy can of course have side effects. In fact, arthroscopy has no special side effects. Since the procedure is a human product, it carries the same risks as any surgery or examination. One of these is infection.
Although it is much, much less likely than open surgery, it is within the realm of possibilities. Even though arthroscopy is performed with small instruments and incisions no more than 1 centimeter long, there is a possibility that the tiny incision can also become infected. This is enough to make it one of the side effects of arthroscopy.
Another side effect of arthroscopy is blockage of the veins. Although this is also rare, we can count it among the side effects as it is still within the possibilities such as infection.
Another side effect of arthroscopy is actually an accident. This side effect is when the joint surfaces are bruised or damaged in any way by the instruments used. This is not normally the case, but since it is a human being who performs this operation and every human being has the right to make mistakes, accidents can happen, even if they are simple. This has more to do with the doctor's attention.
In addition, very simple, rare problems such as failure of the repaired tissue to heal or injury to the nerves, which disappear in a short time, can also be among the side effects of arthroscopy.
Exercises after Arthroscopy
Although arthroscopy is a simple procedure, there is no harm in exercising afterwards. And these exercises will always make the patient healthier.
Regular exercises are recommended to restore the knee to its former mobility and strength. It is also useful to pay attention while doing the exercises listed below. It can be done 2-3 times a day for 20 or 25 minutes. It can also be combined with walking.
In the event of an unexpected condition such as severe pain, swelling or redness in the knee or the aforementioned joint area during or after exercise, the area should be wrapped with a bandage (without squeezing too tightly and blocking blood flow) and shown to the doctor.
Back Muscle Group
We lie flat on our backs. Then we pull our feet towards our hips. It does not need to be in full contact. After the angle in the knee is about 30 degrees, we straighten our legs again. We hold it for 5 seconds and do the same process again and when we pull it out, we wait for 5 seconds again. The 30-degree angle we set at the knee is not a maximum or minimum. It can be withdrawn until it reaches the pain limit. Repeat this 10 times.
Front Muscle Group
This time we lie on our faces. One of the exercises performed after arthroscopy is this exercise to train the anterior muscle group.
At the ankle level we put something like a rolled towel or a pillow. Then we put pressure there with our foot. This pressure lasts for about 5 seconds and then we pull it back. We do it 10 times calmly, 5 seconds each. In this way, we ensure that the knee muscles contract.
Straight Leg Raise
Like the first exercise, we lie on our backs. After lying flat, this time we do not pull our feet to ourselves. Without bending the knee, we bring the feet up and hold for 5 seconds and lower. We repeat this again 10 times or 15 times. It's enough that the foot goes up about 20 centimeters.
Difference between Arthroscopy and Open Surgery
As mentioned above, the difference between arthroscopy and open surgery is the amount of incision. In open surgery, large wounds are made and the risk increases. At the same time, the patient's return to normal life is delayed and scars remain. Arthroscopy eliminates this problem. The examination is completed with the help of optical fiber cameras through extremely small incisions. In summary, the biggest difference between arthroscopy and open surgery is the length of the incision in the body.
Things to Consider After Arthroscopy Surgery
Sudden movements should be avoided after arthroscopy, just as they should be after other surgeries. Although arthroscopy may seem like a much simpler, plainer and smaller procedure than open surgery, it is not worth risking your health. Therefore, care should be taken not to make any sudden movements after arthroscopy. At the same time, it is important to avoid any behavior that may cause the wound to become contaminated or infected, even if it is small. The wound should be kept clean and allowed to breathe.
Paying attention to the cleanliness and safety of the wound after arthroscopy, preventing the area from being hit and practicing post-procedure exercises are among the biggest factors that will accelerate the return to normal life.
