What’s arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions, and a viewing instrument called an arthroscope to evaluate, diagnose, and treat joint conditions.
Dr. Cohen inserts the arthroscope into your shoulder or knee joints to evaluate the surface of your bones and the cartilage that covers them, as well as the surrounding tendons, ligaments, and muscles. If necessary, Dr. Cohen uses the arthroscope to visualize the area while he makes surgical repairs.
Why would I need shoulder or knee arthroscopy?
Dr. Cohen can use arthroscopy either as a diagnostic tool to learn more about your dysfunction or pain or a method for surgically repairing your shoulder or knee in the least invasive manner possible.
You might require arthroscopic exploration if other tests — including X-rays and a physical examination — don’t provide Dr. Cohen with sufficient information to make a firm diagnosis.
Although Dr. Cohen always prefers to use noninvasive methods to heal joint pain, if he thinks they’re insufficient or they don’t work when you try them, arthroscopic surgery may be the best solution.
What conditions can shoulder and knee arthroscopy treat?
Dr. Cohen can use arthroscopy to collect a sample of your joint tissue or fluid as a biopsy to test for cancer and other diseases. He also uses arthroscopy to:
- Remove calcium deposits and other loose bodies
- Remove abnormal growths
- Shave down bone spurs
- Repair torn ACLs and rotator cuffs
- Cut ligaments to relieve tension
- Remove scar tissue
- Remove inflamed tissue
- Alleviate osteoarthritis pain
What are advantages of shoulder or knee arthroscopy?
When you undergo an arthroscopy, Dr. Cohen makes an incision that’s about the size of a button. Small incisions allow you to heal faster and minimize your downtime.
After your procedure, you can usually return home within a few hours and resume your normal daily routine within days. If you’re an athlete, you may need to wait several weeks before returning to your sport.
Do I have to go to sleep for shoulder or knee arthroscopy?
Dr. Cohen usually performs arthroscopy in his office under local anesthesia. However, if you’d prefer to sleep or your surgery is extensive, he arranges for general anesthesia at one of the hospitals he works with.
If you have shoulder or knee pain or are considering surgical repair of your joint problems, contact Dr. Cohen about shoulder and knee arthroscopy. You can phone the office or book online.
