Facts About Arthroscopic Knee & Shoulder Surgery at Rolling Hills Medical in Torrance

If you have been hearing about a surgical technique known as arthroscopic surgery, you may be wondering what this state-of-the art procedure is all about. Let's take a look at the principles, procedures, costs, and recovery times for knee and shoulder arthroscopic surgery in Torrance.

An Introduction to Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery is specialized, minimally-invasive technique for seeing inside a damaged joint and making the necessary repairs. Instead of the large incision required by traditional open surgery, arthroscopic surgery relies on a piece of equipment called an arthroscope. This arthroscope is a flexible fiber optic tube about as wide around as a typical drinking straw. This tube contains both a light and a tiny camera that feeds images to video display equipment. The surgeon uses this display to see inside the joint, both for diagnostic purposes and during the actual surgery.

The arthroscope requires only one small incision. Another small incision is made to accommodate a set of long, slender surgical tools. These tools are specially crafted for minimally-invasive surgery. The surgeon can use these tools to make tiny, precise movements, viewed under high magnification, for extraordinarily precise work.

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Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Knee arthroscopy has become increasingly popular over the years as an alternative to open surgery. You may be a good candidate for this procedure if you suffer from:

• A torn posterior or anterior cruciate ligament
• An unstable or dislocated kneecap
• A knee fracture
• Pain due to loosened or deteriorated cartilage within the knee joint
• Swollen synovial lining
• An accumulation of fluid at the back of the knee known as a Baker's cyst

Cost of Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

Over 1 million arthroscopic knee surgeries are performed in the U.S. each year. The average price of the procedure is around $5,000. The actual cost, however, can vary depending on the difficulty of the surgery and the amount of time the surgery takes. If you stay overnight in a medical facility instead of having your surgery, you will pay more than if you'd arranged for an outpatient surgery instead.

What Happens During This Procedure?

During a knee arthroscopy, you may receive local, regional, or general anesthesia. Your surgeon will then make the small incision necessary for the insertion of the arthroscope and the surgical instruments. Saline will be introduced into the joint; this makes it swell up so the surgeon can get a better view of the joint's interior. The devices are then inserted, and the procedure is performed. Once your surgery is complete, the saline is removed and the incisions are stitched up.

What to Expect After Knee Arthroscopy: The Recovery Process

With any luck, you can go home the same day that your knee arthroscopy is performed. Ice, elevation, and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling. We will tell you how to change the wound dressing and when to report back for your follow-up exam. Your knee should be able to tolerate most activities within 6 to 8 weeks.

Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery in Torrance

Much like knee arthroscopy, our arthroscopic shoulder surgery in Torrance involves the use of specialized imaging and surgical tools to fix shoulder problems without creating large, damaging incisions. You may be a good candidate for shoulder surgery if conservative treatment has failed to resolve:

• Torn shoulder ligaments or rotator cuff tissues
• A recurring dislocation
• Bone spurs or loose cartilage causing pain in the shoulder joint
• A tear in the labrum, the ring of cartilage that helps hold the ball of the shoulder in its socket

Cost of Arthroscopic Shoulder Surgery

The exact cost of arthroscopic shoulder surgery depends on your location, the kind of shoulder condition being treated, whether your insurance covers arthroscopy, and whether you have an inpatient or outpatient surgery. In Los Angeles, the average price range is between $5,800 and $15,900.

What Happens During This Procedure?

You may be positioned either lying down or sitting up for your particular surgery. The procedure itself follows the same steps as knee arthroscopy. 

What to Expect After Shoulder Arthroscopy: The Recovery Process

You may need ice and pain relievers for a few weeks following your shoulder arthroscopy. We will equip you with a sling to immobilize the shoulder. Sleeping in an elevated position is likely to prove more comfortable than lying down. Once your wounds have started to heal, you can shower normally. We will then place you on a physical rehabilitation program to help you regain function.

Schedule an Appointment with our Orthopedic Surgeon and the Rolling Hills Medical Staff

Ready to schedule a pre-operative appointment to discuss arthroscopic surgery in Torrance? Call Rolling Hills Medical today at (424) 267-2489!