5 Benefits of Arthroscopic Surgery

If persistent joint pain has you considering surgery, you might imagine a lengthy recovery and major disruption to your life. Fortunately, modern advancements in orthopedic care can make the prospect far less daunting.

At Hammer Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, our goal is to get you back to your active lifestyle as quickly as possible. Brian Hamzavi, MD, specializes in arthroscopy, a type of minimally invasive surgery we use to diagnose and treat a wide range of joint problems.

Don’t let uncertainty about surgical options keep you from finding relief. Continue reading to learn how arthroscopic surgery works and explore five key benefits it offers.

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive approach

Arthroscopy is an advanced technique that provides us with a detailed internal view of the joint. Rather than making a large incision to open the area, this procedure allows us to see and work through smaller openings, often less than half an inch in length.

During an arthroscopy, Dr. Hamzavi makes small entry points near the affected joint. Then, he inserts a thin instrument (called an arthroscope) through one of these tiny incisions. The arthroscope contains a light and a camera, which transmits a magnified, live view of the joint’s interior onto a video screen.

This picture guides Dr. Hamzavi as he navigates the tendons, ligaments, and cartilage within the joint. If repairs are needed, he inserts specialized tools through additional entry points to address damaged tissue directly.

What arthroscopic surgery can do for you

If more conservative treatments like medications or physical therapy aren’t providing the relief you need, Dr. Hamzavi may recommend arthroscopic surgery. Whether the issue is in your knee, shoulder, hip, or even smaller joints like your ankle, wrist, or elbow, arthroscopy can address common concerns such as:

• Ligament tears
• Damaged cartilage
• Bone spurs
• Arthritis

This minimally invasive approach offers some distinct advantages — let’s take a look at five benefits of arthroscopic surgery:

1. Accurate diagnosis

When X-rays or other imaging test results aren’t clear, arthroscopy can help us pinpoint the exact cause of your discomfort. The arthroscope camera delivers real-time, high-definition images that give Dr. Hamzavi the insights needed for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Getting active more quickly

With smaller incisions and less trauma to surrounding tissue, arthroscopic surgery can significantly shorten the amount of time you spend out of action. This means most patients can get back to work, sports, and other activities sooner than after traditional open surgery.

3. Less pain after surgery

Patients typically experience much less discomfort after arthroscopic surgery compared to more invasive procedures. This ensures a more comfortable recovery and may reduce the need for pain medication.

4. Lower risk of complications

Even though all surgeries come with some risks, minimally invasive techniques like arthroscopy generally have a lower chance of issues like infection, excessive bleeding, and nerve damage. 

5. Minimal scarring

Aesthetics might not be your top priority when you’re facing surgery, but nobody wants to be left with a large, noticeable scar. With arthroscopy, the tiny incision sites result in minimal scarring that’s often barely noticeable.

Experience the benefits for yourself

Are you curious to find out if arthroscopic surgery could be the answer to your joint pain? To experience the benefits for yourself, contact Hammer Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine in Palm Bay, Florida, and schedule a consultation today.