Services / Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery enables the surgeons at Cascade Orthopaedics to perform incredibly precise procedures without the need for large incisions. Residents in and around Auburn, Washington, rely on the experienced team for excellent care using state-of-the-art tools and technology. Learn more by booking a visit online or by phone today. 

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is an approach that seeks to view, diagnose, or treat joint conditions without the need for an open surgical procedure. The name arthroscopy is derived from the Greek words “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). 

The primary tool used in this type of minimally invasive surgery is called an arthroscope. Around the diameter of a drinking straw, the arthroscope is a hollow tube equipped with a light and camera. The arthroscope gathers and projects images of your joint components onto an external screen.

What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?

Because arthroscopic procedures disrupt less tissue than other types of surgery, this approach offers numerous benefits compared to traditional open surgery.

Additional benefits of arthroscopic surgical procedures include:

• Reduced risk of bleeding during surgery
• Smaller incision lines
• Faster healing
• Lower risk of infection
• Less time under anesthesia, with some conditions possible using just a local anesthetic

While not every procedure can be performed using arthroscopic techniques, Cascade Orthopaedics prefers this approach when possible. 

What happens during arthroscopic surgery?

You’ll be given either a local anesthetic or general anesthesia when you arrive for your procedure. Both options eliminate sensation in the treatment area, but you’ll remain awake and alert throughout your surgery with local anesthesia. 

Once the site is disinfected, the orthopaedic surgeon creates a few small incisions. The arthroscope is inserted into one incision and transmits magnified images onto an external screen. Your doctor then inserts slim surgical instruments to alter the targeted tissue through the other incisions. 

Some of the procedures performed using arthroscopic techniques include:

• Knee arthroscopy
• Hip arthroscopy
• Shoulder arthroscopy
• Ankle arthroscopy
• Elbow arthroscopy
• Wrist arthroscopy

The exact tissue alterations depend on the type of surgery you’re having but may include removing bone fragments, repairing tendons or ligaments, reattaching muscle tissue, or replacing joint components. 

Once the doctor is satisfied with the results, they remove the surgical instruments and arthroscope before closing the incisions with sutures, surgical tape, or surgical adhesive. You’ll receive full post-surgical instructions to guide you in the initial stages of healing. 

If you’d like more information about arthroscopy and how it might align with your joint health needs, call Cascade Orthopaedics to book a visit or schedule online in just moments.