Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that is used for diagnosing and treating joint, bones, and ligament related problems. In this procedure, a surgeon generally inserts a narrow tube through a small incision at the affected site. The tube is attached to a buttonhole sized fiber-optic video camera. A high-definition video monitor receives a feed of the view inside your affected joint or ligament.

It makes it possible for medical professionals to identify and handle conditions like ACL tears, carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and arthritis. Several arthroscopy techniques address different ligament and joint issues.

With arthroscopy, the doctor can see inside the affected site without creating a big wound. Using arthroscopy, surgeons can even repair certain types of joint and ligament damages by inserting pencil-thin surgical instruments through additional tiny incisions.

Why is Arthroscopic Surgery needed?

Practitioners use arthroscopy for the detection and treatment of a variety of joint, ligament, and tendon issues, including:

• Knee pain, injuries, and instability such as anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears and meniscal tears
• Torn ligaments, tendons, and cartilage
• Rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, dislocated shoulder, and shoulder impingement
• Arthritis (foot and/or ankle)
• Wrist pain due to ganglion cysts, carpal tunnel syndrome, and wrist arthritis

Orthopedic surgeons, in determining the suitability of arthroscopic surgery and devising a surgical strategy, conduct several preoperative examinations. The diagnostic assessment may encompass the following imaging procedures:

• X-Ray: To generate plain film images of bones and joints
• Computed Tomography (CT): Compiling multiple X-ray images to produce three-dimensional "slices" of a joint or joint space on a computer
• Ultrasound: Employing high-frequency sound waves to create images of soft tissues
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): To generate high-definition images, particularly focusing on soft tissues
• Arthrocentesis in some cases to check for joint infection of crystallization in joint fluid

Additionally, healthcare providers may request blood tests to assess:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Any autoimmune disease
• Biomarkers like C-Reactive Protein (CRP) 
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
• White Blood Cell (WBC) count

Arthroscopy is generally an outpatient procedure. Most of the arthroscopic procedures take an hour to complete. However, the duration of the operation and hospital stay solely depends upon the patient’s condition. Following are the steps involved in the procedure: 

• Two or three small incisions (about the size of a buttonhole) are given in the treatment area
• Through these incisions, the arthroscope and other tiny surgical instruments are inserted
• Arthroscopy helps to collect the images of the surgical site which is invisible with the naked eye. This helps to monitor and examine joints, ligaments, cartilage, and tendons under treatment
• With the guidance of these images, the orthopaedician establishes the accurate diagnosis or right technique to surgically treat the damage
• Once the surgery is completed, the arthroscope and surgical instruments are removed
• The incisions are closed with stitches and the wounded is dressed with bandage

Arthroscopy is a safe procedure in comparison to open conventional surgeries. Potential complications may include:

• Allergic reaction to anesthesia
• Damage to tissue or nerves in the vicinity
• Blood clots which may cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT) later
• Infections
• Excessive bleeding or swelling

After the procedure, you may return home in a few hours. It could be necessary for you to:

• For a period of time, refrain from applying pressure or weight to the area. In the event that you underwent hip or leg arthroscopy, you may require crutches or some other kind of assistance
• Apply ice in the treated area and raise it to reduce the pain and swelling
• Cover the incision and maintain a cleanliness
• Take NSAIDs to relieve the pain and inflammation
• Shower rather than taking baths in the bathtub until the wound heals
• Use temporary splints like slings or crutches to stay comfortable and protected
• Your doctor may recommend physical therapy and rehabilitation activities to strengthen your muscles and increase the joint function

Even though arthroscopic surgery usually enables you to resume normal activities sooner, it can take several months to heal completely and be free of symptoms. There are restrictions on the amount and type of activity you should undertake during this time. When an arthroscopy is not properly done, it can result in increased pain, stiffness, and the possibility of further injury. You can prevent these issues by gradually increasing your level of activity.
 

According to reports, 85 to 95% of patients experience improved pain relief and functional outcomes following arthroscopic procedures, which is comparable to open and mini open repairs. It is known to provide surgeons with the flexibility and ability to view and analyze a tear in its entirety from a variety of portal locations. Small skin incisions, less pain following surgery, a quicker recovery, better cosmetic outcomes, the absence of deltoid detachment, and less dissection of soft tissue are additional benefits of all arthroscopic repairs. Currently, no discernible variation in patient outcomes between this method and alternative approaches has been documented.

The cost of Arthroscopic Surgery in India varies according to various factors which are discussed in the next section of this article. However, the approximate cost of the procedure may range from $200-$5500

Following are the factors affecting the cost of Arthroscopic Surgery in India:

• Doctor’s Expertise: The number of successful cases accomplished by a doctor may affect the cost of treatment. Generally, higher the expertise, higher will be the cost.
• Doctor’s Experience: The doctors with more years of work experience in arthroscopic surgeries will charge more.
• Extent of damage: Greater damage will require a more extensive and complex course of treatment, which will also increase costs. 
• Overall Health Status of Patients: People having prevailing illnesses and old-age people will be at risk of getting more complications. So, there will be more post-operative care for them which will increase the cost.
• Out of Pocket Expense: If your treatment is not being covered under your health insurance policy, then you may have to pay a higher out of pocket amount for the treatment. 
• Pre-Surgical Expenses: Various diagnostic tests will add to the total cost of the treatment.
• Hospital Fees: If you are choosing a government hospital for your treatment, then the cost of the treatment will definitely be highly affordable. On the contrary, if you choose any private or corporate hospital for your treatment then you will have to pay a higher amount.
• Type of Surgery: Depending upon your condition, your doctor will plan the treatment approach for you. This will also impact the cost of treatment depending upon the approach chosen.
• City where hospital is located: Hospitals located in bigger cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Noida, Gurugram, etc. may charge comparatively more than the hospitals located in the smaller cities. This is because hospitals in the metropolises can facilitate you better in every aspect.

An approximate cost of diagnostics for Arthroscopic Surgery

MedFlick, committed to ensuring a smooth and successful medical journey for you, offers:

• Individualized Guidance: Receive personalized guidance throughout your medical journey.
• Access to a Broad Healthcare Network: Connect with prominent hospitals, top doctors, and skilled surgeons through our extensive network.
• Transparent and Competitive Pricing: Access a full breakdown of treatment costs, promoting transparency and offering fair cost-effective solutions..
• Comprehensive Support Services: From travel arrangements to hotel and visa assistance, MedFlick provides a range of services to make your experience seamless.
• Multilingual Support: Break down language barriers, facilitating effective communication between patients and medical professionals.

Experience a transformative journey of a successful Arthroscopic Surgery with MedFlick as your trusted guide. Our assistance makes navigating this life-changing therapeutic procedure simple and liberating, filled with hope, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future.