Arthroscopy Specialist
-
- Tweet
Complete Orthopaedics
Michael Trice, MD
Orthopedic Surgeon & Cartilage Repair and Total Joint Specialist located in Houston, TX
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses pencil-sized instruments to diagnose and treat joint problems through very small incisions. Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Michael Trice, MD, performs arthroscopy and other sophisticated techniques at Complete Orthopaedics in Houston, Texas. For advanced expertise in arthroscopy, call or book an appointment online today.
Arthroscopy Q & A
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a type of minimally invasive orthopedic surgery that allows Dr. Trice to visually examine the inside of your joint without cutting it open.
He inserts a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope into a button hole-sized incision. The arthroscope contains a light and miniature camera, which projects magnified images of your joint onto a screen.
If Dr. Trice sees an area of injured or damaged tissue during arthroscopy, he may treat the problem during the same procedure. To do this, he may insert pencil-sized surgical tools through one or more additional tiny incisions.
What conditions are diagnosed and treated with arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a highly useful procedure for diagnosing and treating many joint problems, especially issues that affect the knee and shoulder. Dr. Trice uses arthroscopy as a minimally invasive treatment for a variety of knee and shoulder problems, including:
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
- Wrist and hand pain
- Ankle pain
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Meniscus tears
- Articular cartilage damage
- Tendon tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Scar tissue within the joint
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
Though he always explores a nonsurgical approach first, Dr. Trice uses sophisticated techniques like arthroscopic surgery to resolve joint pain and symptoms that don’t respond to conservative treatments.
What should I expect from arthroscopic surgery?
Dr. Trice usually performs arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure, so you don’t need to stay in the hospital. Depending on the type of procedure you need, you may get local, regional, or general anesthesia.
During arthroscopy, Dr. Trice makes one small incision to insert the arthroscope into your joint. He may make additional tiny incisions around your joint to insert any necessary surgical instruments.
When he’s finished, Dr. Trice removes the arthroscope and tools. The wounds are so small that they need only one or two stitches to close.
Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it involves a faster and less painful recovery than open surgery. However, you still need to take at least a few days off to rest after your procedure.
Dr. Trice provides you with instructions on how to recover properly at home and starts you on a physical therapy plan as soon as possible.
If you have a joint problem that may benefit from arthroscopy, call Complete Orthopaedics, or book an appointment online today.
