Arthroscopy is both a diagnostic and treatment-focused procedure that involves the use of an arthroscope, which is a thin tube with a fiber-optic camera functionality at the end for your doctor’s viewing ability. An arthroscope is a type of endoscope that is specially used for joint evaluation and treatment.
Arthroscopy requires very small incisions, so it is a minimally invasive type of surgery – incurring less damage to the surrounding tissues, less risk of infection, smaller scars, less pain, and faster recovery than traditional open surgery. The doctor can see and repair any damaged cartilage, tendons, ligaments, loose pieces of bone, and buildup of fluid.
The most common sites of arthroscopy include the hand, shoulder, and knee. The procedure can take as little as an hour to complete. Let’s talk about what you can expect during the recovery and recuperation period after having arthroscopy on your joint, and where you can go to have this outpatient procedure in North Naples.
What to Expect During Recovery from Arthroscopy
Being a minimally invasive procedure, you can expect a relatively low-maintenance recovery after arthroscopy:
- Same-Day Procedure – Arthroscopy is an outpatient surgery, so you will likely return home later that day of your procedure to begin recovery right away.
- Activity Restrictions – These limitations are to be expected in the first few weeks following arthroscopic surgery. Your surgeon will explain how to give the operation site time to heal before engaging in physical activity.
- Ice Therapy – Apply a covered ice pack to the wound area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, to help relieve pain and reduce swelling. Be sure not to have direct contact of the ice pack with your skin, otherwise you could develop frostbite.
- Wound Dressings – Change the dressings regularly, as per your surgeon’s instructions.
- Elevate the Area – Keep the body part elevated or raised for as long as possible for at least a few days after your arthroscopy surgery in order to minimize swelling. Do take breaks, however, to help facilitate circulation.
- Rest – Rest your body and sleep whenever you feel like it. This will help your body to focus on healing the surgical area.
- Mobility – If you had arthroscopic surgery on a hip, knee, ankle, or foot, then you will probably be advised to use crutches to move around in order to keep weight off of the affected knee.
- Pain Treatment – To minimize pain effectively, your surgeon will prescribe pain medication.
- Physical Therapy – This is likely to be a key part of your recovery in helping you get back your strength, range of motion, and mobility in the joint.
- Follow-Up Checkups – Your surgeon will explain the recommended schedule for follow-up appointments. These are necessary to check on the progress of your healing and to look for any infections or other issues.
- Duration of Recovery – Every patient recovers at his or her own pace, so the pacing depends on both the individual and the type of procedure done. However, you can expect to enjoy a speedier recovery than if you’d had traditional open surgery. Some patients are able to return to work in as little as a week, but extensive arthroscopy procedures can take one or two months for recovery. Your surgeon will explain beforehand how long your recovery is likely to take.
Arthroscopic Surgery in Naples, FL
For patient-centric orthopedic care in Collier County, choose North Naples Surgery Center for your treatment. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, contact our friendly team today by calling us at (239) 529-2811 or by filling out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to hearing from you!
