As people age, their bodies wear down. It's not just age that causes wear, though. Intense activity, from sports or work, can also affect the body. Joints are some of the first parts to experience wear and tear. Severe injuries can also cause chronic joint issues. People who suffer from joint pain may want to consider getting an arthroscopy.
Hip Surgeon and Arthroscopy
This procedure determines the type and severity of joint damage and what can be done to resolve the issue. Knees are the most likely target for such a procedure, but any joint may need it. The procedure may be used following an accident, such as a bad fall, for example. Further specialists, such as a knee or hip surgeon, may need to be consulted depending on the arthroscopy results.
Is it Invasive?
While technically invasive, modern scopes for such procedures are now small and powerful. The size not only prevents the need for a large incision, it means the joints can be thoroughly examined for damage.
What Can it See?
One use of arthroscopy is as a diagnostic tool. The arthroscopy can reveal a misalignment of the joint, damaged cartilage, and wear and tear to ligaments. Further procedures may be needed depending on the severity and nature of the damage discovered. Those who survived or experienced an accident or significant sports injury may have an arthroscopy recommended if one wasn't performed after the incident, which caused the damage, and there is chronic joint pain. This procedure is used for diagnostics in any joint: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, and ankle.
Arthroscopy surgery is most commonly used in the knee for cartilage and meniscus problems and in the shoulder for repairing rotator cuff tears.
Arthritis Damage
Those with advanced age or severe arthritis in the knees or hips may also want to consider arthroscopy. Identifying the precise damage might make it possible to solve the issue with pain medication or physical therapy. But, if the damage is severe enough, joint replacement surgery may be recommended.
Orthopedic Surgeon
The risks of arthroscopy are low, and the procedure is minimally invasive. In addition, what is revealed will help determine the next course of action because doing nothing often leads to further pain and damage. If you are experiencing chronic joint pain and want more information about arthroscopy, contact Dr. Dan Albright, an orthopedic surgeon, at 919-863-6808 to schedule a consultation.
