Is Arthroscopy a Major Surgery?

If you're one of the many Americans suffering from joint pain, you might be searching for treatment options. An arthroscopy procedure can help reduce pain, get to the root cause of your issues, and even repair damaged joint tissue and surrounding bone. This is an exploratory surgery that requires minimal recovery time and is well-tolerated. 

At Rolling Hills Medical, we provide arthroscopy surgery in Torrance, CA to our community. We strive to help our clients achieve freedom from pain.

Arthroscopy Surgery

An Arthroscopy is a minor surgery used to diagnose and conduct repairs on the joints. This procedure usually takes place in an outpatient setting. This is a type of exploratory surgery in which a medical professional will make a small incision and insert a viewing camera into your joint. 

Arthroscopy surgery is minimally invasive, so you can go home the same day after surgery. Arthroscopy can provide a full picture of your joints, as well as allow medical providers to perform minor repairs to the joint.

Preparing for the Procedure

If you're nervous about your arthroscopy procedure, don't worry. There are several steps you can take to prepare before your surgery. It's best to listen to the advice of your medical provider the day before surgery. They will recommend the following:

• Avoid food and water and fast 12 to 24 hours before surgery to avoid complications from anesthesia.
• Avoid certain medications, follow the advice of your provider
• Arrange for transportation after surgery, since this is a minor surgery and you will more than likely return home that same day
• Wear loose clothing so it's easier to change out of your hospital gown

If you're still unsure about how to prepare, don't hesitate to call your provider and have a list of questions ready. They can address all your concerns before your surgery.

Operation Procedure

During your procedure, your provider will administer anesthesia so you won't have to feel any pain during this small surgery. Depending on which area of the body where the arthroscopy will take place, your provider will administer a unique level of anesthesia. These include:

• Local anesthesia for smaller areas/joints (such as hands or feet)
• Regional anesthesia to numb larger portions of the body (such as the elbow joint)
• General anesthesia if there is a significant portion of the body undergoing arthroscopy or you need several incisions made.

General anesthesia will put you to sleep, while local and regional anesthesia will allow you to remain awake. You might still feel tugging, pulling, and other sensations during surgery, but should not feel any pain.

During the surgery, your provider will use a tiny camera and insert it into an incision no bigger than a button. They will use this camera to identify causes of joint pain, such as ligament tears or broken bone fragments, and conduct minor surgery to correct the issue if possible.

After the Surgery

After your arthroscopy, you will need to practice self-care methods at home in order to recover faster. These include:

• Taking medications to manage pain or reduce muscle inflammation
• RICE the area, meaning rest, ice, compress and elevate the site of surgery
• Protect the area such as using a splint or cast
• Perform physical therapy and strengthening exercises

Fortunately, for those wondering if arthroscopy is a major surgery, the recovery time for arthroscopy is minimal. Using these self-care methods can help you feel better in as little as a few days.

Arthroscopy Surgery in Torrance

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive, yet effective surgery that can help people find relief from joint pain. If you're looking for "Arthroscopy surgery near me," Rolling Hills Medical can provide arthroscopy surgery to residents of Torrance, CA and the surrounding communities with a minimal commute.