Arthroscopy is a procedure that allows your orthopaedic surgeon to look at the surface of your joints. The procedure can be used to diagnose joint problems, perform surgery or monitor disease. This procedure involves the use of a small camera called an arthroscope, which is inserted into the ankle joint through small incisions. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to visualise the structures inside the joint, such as the ligaments, cartilage, and tendons, on a monitor in real time.
During ankle arthroscopy, your doctor will insert a camera into your ankle joint. Images will then be displayed on screens for your orthopaedic surgeon to see as he works with small surgical tools. The surgical equipment used in arthroscopy is particularly small, which means that the incisions made in the body will be small, less painful, and will heal much quicker than those made in traditional open surgery
Ankle arthroscopy is often performed for a variety of conditions affecting the ankle joint, including:
Your orthopaedic surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination and order X-rays and, most probably, an MRI scan before considering surgery. During surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon will make small incisions in your ankle and insert instruments to repair your injury. The latest surgical technology will allow your surgeon to perform techniques like tying knots, anchoring stitches to the bone and passing sutures through small incisions.
Recovery will depend on the severity of your injury, as well as your personal condition. Speak to your orthopaedic surgeon about rehabilitation, physical therapy, and any lifestyle changes that might be required. Recovery from arthroscopy is generally much quicker than traditional open surgery, but your doctor will advise you on methods of reducing discomfort after your surgery.
Wrist arthroscopy is performed under anaesthesia, so you will not feel any pain during the procedure. Afterwards, you may experience some discomfort or mild pain at the incision sites, but this can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medications and should improve as you recover.
While wrist arthroscopy is considered a safe procedure, like any surgery, it carries some risks, including infection, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, or continued symptoms despite treatment. Dr Gabriel Pirjol will discuss these risks with you and take measures to minimize them during the procedure.
Recovery time can vary depending on the specific procedure performed and individual factors. In general, most patients can resume light activities within a few days to a week after wrist arthroscopy, with full recovery typically taking several weeks to a few months. Dr Pirjol will provide you with personalized post-operative instructions and may recommend physical therapy to help optimize your recovery and regain strength and mobility in your wrist.
Telephone: +27 31 202 5463
Email: gpirjol@gmail.com / opaed001@gmail.com
Address : Chelmsford Medical Centre 2,
Ground Floor,
107 JB Marks Road,
Durban
