If you have developed the arthritis in your ankle, that may cause pain. This means your joint surfaces are no longer smooth. Your bones become rough and also lining of the cartilage will depleted. This may develop stiffness and pain in your ankle. Usually good cartilage forms the joints, which allows for painless motion between the bones. Diseased or damaged cartilage can allow motion but this can be quite disabling and painful.

Ankle fusion surgery would be performed when the motion of ankle joint become degenerative or painful due to the worn out of cartilage. Sometimes, ankle fusion would be called as arthrodesis. The most common cause of arthrodesis is an ankle fracture.

Ankle Fusion surgery Procedure:

Different types of surgeries are now developed to perform the ankle fusion. The basic method in each surgery remains the same. The common way of ankle fusion surgery is performed by making small incision through the skin to open the joint. After opening the joint, surfaces of the articular cartilage of the joint must be taken off. Once the cartilage is removed on both the sides of the joint, your body would try to heal two surfaces of joint together as if it were broken or fractured.

Once the incisions are made, the bones should be held in the right place while they mend. This can be performed by using the metal plates and large metal screws. Usually the screws are under the skin and they are removed unless they start to rub and induce the pain.

In few situations, especially if fusion is being performed because of a failed initial fusion or an infection, an external fixator will be used to hold up the bones together during the healing process. This external fixator has metal pins, which are inserted into the bones through the skin. The metal pins will be connected to the bolts and metal rods outside the skin, which hold the bones in certain position during the period of ankle fuses. Once the bones have healed, the fixator will be removed, usually the time period will be 12 to 15 weeks.

Some orthopedic surgeons will perform the ankle fusion surgery with the help of arthroscope. This is a miniature TV camera, which is inserted into the ankle joint through a small cut. Arthroscope is used to watch other instruments that are inserted into the ankle joint to remove the surface of the cartilage. The surface of the cartilage would be removed by using a small rotary cutting tool. After preparing the surfaces, screws are placed through small cuts in the skin to grasp the bones together while they are fusing. This method is same as the open procedure but only difference is the incisions are very smaller.

Meniscus is a very tiny piece of the cartilage, even it is so small tearing it or torn meniscus may cause severe pain. This meniscus of cartilage is c-shaped and very small, and there are three parts that cushion and protect the knee joint: one between the shin bone and thigh bone (tibia and femur), one is on the outer side of the knee this is known as lateral meniscus, and the other one is medical meniscus which is on the inside of knee.

The meniscus can be usually injured by squatting down or twisting on foot and bending the knee forcefully. Occasionally a torn occurs with a little compression on the knee. Torn may occur due to the damage to the tissue since a long time as a result of diseases such as knee arthritis.

The most common case for a torn meniscus is due to degenerative process and traumatic injury. The traumatic meniscus torn occurs when the knee is twisted and the joint of the knee is bent.

Treatment:

Treatment for a torn meniscus depends on different factors that include the type of the torn, activity level of the person, and response or reaction to the simple treatments. Arthroscopic surgery is usually recommended to treat the torn meniscus. This surgery would remove the tissues that are torn and saves the meniscus that is healthy. Without a surgical treatment, the tear would likely go on with fragments and activity of the torn meniscus that can damage the smooth articular cartilage of the knee that would result not only pain but it may also lead to arthritis.

Types of arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus:

Surgery for a torn meniscus includes removal of meniscus, meniscus replacement, or meniscus repair. Meniscus repair would have been successful in most of the patients and the complications are at very low rate through this procedure. Meniscus repair is an elective method of arthroscopic surgery, so it can be scheduled depending on the patient’s needs, but it is best to perform within two months after the knee injury. This arthroscopic surgery can be performed by doing several small incisions to the knee area and repairing and examining the tissue. Three small portals or holes are made in the knee. Through one of the portals the arthroscope is inserted. Saline solution is sent through the second portal to improve maneuverability and visibility of the instruments. The third portal is used for working tools. The tools and arthroscope are roughly 4.5mm in diameter. In this process the fragment of the torn is then cut and removed. The edges of the remaining meniscus would be shaved smoothly. Any gliding cartilage can also be shaved smoothly. Finally large amount of saline is flushed through the knee area to wash out the tiny particles, which are lying on the surface. The incisions are then closed with a small stitch and a pain reliever would be injected into the knee joint this will act for a long time. This surgery can be done under local or general anesthesia and it takes about 60 to 120 minutes to complete. If you have decided to undergo the arthroscopic surgery, it is essential to choose a qualified orthopedic surgeon.

Arthroscopic knee surgery is a normal surgical procedure where a joint can be viewed with a tiny camera. Doctors will have a clear picture of the inner portion of knee which helps them to diagnose and also to treat knee related problems. Technology improvements have given a very good high definition monitors and also cameras with high resolution. These and the combinations of other technology advances have made arthroscopy an effective method for the treatment of knee issues.

Arthroscopic knee surgery can be done through very small incisions. While doing the process, orthopaedic surgeon will insert a tiny camera instrument, which is of a pencil size to the knee joint. This arthroscope sends an image to high resolution television monitor with which the surgeon can look in detail of the knee structure. Based on the structure, surgeon may remove or repair damaged tissues with the help of surgical instruments inserted through the other incisions made around the knee.

Before undergoing Arthroscopic knee surgery, one may need to have a complete examination physically. Based on the health analysis, doctors will identify any issues that may come up with the surgery. Also one may need to tell the surgeon about the medications that you are taking so that the surgeons will advice whether to continue these medicines or not.

First thing as part of Arthroscopic knee surgery is to provide anesthesia to the person undergoing Arthroscopy. This can be done under general, regional or local anesthesia.

1. General anesthesia make you sleep
2. Regional anesthesia makes you senseless below waist
3. Local anesthesia makes you senseless just at the knee.

One with regional or local anesthesia can watch the surgical procedure on the television monitor.

Procedure of Arthroscopic knee surgery:

Before going for Arthroscopic knee surgery one has to find out details about the surgery by contacting a surgeon. Finding out the details will help you to undergo the surgery without any problems. Generally the person who has to undergo surgery needs to come to the hospital before two hours from the surgery time. Before going for Arthroscopic knee surgery one should not eat anything from midnight the day before surgery.

The surgeon makes small incisions in the knee and then passes sterile solutions which make your knee clean by removing the solid substances, this process helps the orthopedic surgeon to examine your knee very clearly and examines the problem. The orthopedic surgeon comes to conclusion on how to do the surgery after detailed examination. The Arthroscopic knee surgery generally takes about 30 minutes to one hour. The surgery time depends upon the examination results by the orthopedic surgeon. Surgeon closes the incision by stitching or closing the incisions with the bandage. A person who has undergone Arthroscopic knee surgery can go home within one to two hours after the surgery.

Recovery is very faster with Arthroscopic knee surgery when compared to traditional surgeries. To recover soon one must follow all the instructions given by the orthopedic surgeon.

Usually, orthopedic implants are used to replace troubled or damaged joints, which are carried out only by highly trained and specialized surgeons. Every implant surgery involves removing damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial prosthesis.

Orthopedic implants made from Titanium alloys to offers strength and lined with plastic to serve as artificial cartilage. Some implants are cemented into place and some others pressed to fit and let your bones to grow into the implant for strength. Discuss with your orthopedic surgeon to know about the available implant options and the type that best suits your needs.

Orthopedic implants are available for the hip, shoulder, elbow and knee. Each implant is designed to withstand the movements and stress connected with each and every joint and to provide enhanced mobility and reduced pain.

Arthritis, a degenerative disease is the leading cause of considering orthopedic implants. Cartilage breakdown occurs as a result of obesity and or the lack of joint movement. Implants are the last option to consider when all the non-surgical treatments have failed including weight loss.

Orthopedic implants all are not similar. Different manufacturers use different methods to design the product according to the patient’s specifications. The various advantages of orthopedic implants include: reduced pain, increased mobility, and improved quality of life. There are few disadvantages but will subside soon, such as: infection, possible malfunction and strict post-surgery recovery pain.

Before going to consider the orthopedic implants, you need to choose a specialized orthopedic surgeon to make sure the surgery is a success.

Arthroscopic surgery is a procedure used to check the ligaments and knee joints. During the procedure, the surgeon views the knee joint from a microscopic camera. It shows the condition of the knee and helps the surgeon in further treatment.

Recovery from arthroscopic knee surgery is faster than open knee surgery. Usually it is a small surgery and takes less time to perform. Surgeon will give general anesthesia before conducting the surgery. During the treatment, your surgeon makes small incision to place the arthroscope. The entire procedure from diagnosis and the treatment almost takes one hour.

You can enjoy faster arthroscopic knee surgery recovery if you take proper care and medication as suggested by the doctor. Usually most people experience swelling around the surgical area. You need to protect the surgical part from water until it is fully recovered. Your surgeon suggests keeping ice bags on the swollen region to reduce swelling.

The entire process of arthroscopic knee surgery recovery will depend on the care and precaution that you are following. When the wound area healed properly, physical therapy will be started. In this, your physiotherapist will show few exercises that can help you in further healing.

Arthroscopic knee surgery recovery is faster and the patient will get instant relief. Also, it is useful to diagnose the condition at the beginning. After undergoing the surgery, it is necessary to take proper rest and don’t do any activities that can put strain on your knees and will increase the trouble unnecessarily. If there is increase in swelling, soreness and pain around the knees, you need to consult your doctor.

Arthroscopic knee surgery recovery takes up to 2-4 weeks, but it can also vary depending on each individual condition. Also, it is suggested to undergo physiotherapy after the surgery. Physiotherapy is the most trusted and better way for quick and smooth arthroscopic knee surgery recovery. Physiotherapy workouts fasten the process of recovery by ensuring the knee muscles and knee strength.

Arthroscopic surgery is a most common form of orthopedic procedure that is used to diagnose and treat the problems in joints. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed on any joints and as time passes, more and more joints are being arthroscopically treated. There are various types of arthroscopic surgeries, such as:

1. Knee arthroscopy

2. Ankle arthroscopy

3. Hip arthroscopy

4. Elbow arthroscopy

5. Shoulder arthroscopy

6. Wrist arthroscopy

Shoulder and knee arthroscopy are the most common procedures performed these days. These joints are large enough to alter the instruments around and also they are amenable to arthroscopic surgery treatments. Most of the arthroscopic surgeries include fixing cartilage and also meniscus issues in knees, restoring rotator cuff tears in shoulders, treatment of shoulder bursitis, and labral tears.

Arthroscopic surgery is generally easier on patients than performing an open surgery. There are several benefits of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery. Small incisions produce little scarring and heal quickly thus allowing you to return to normal activities in much less time than with open surgery.

Also, arthroscopic surgery has a reduced risk of infections and swelling associated with small incisions. Diagnosis and surgery can be carried out in one procedure. This procedure has less pain and is more successful than an open joint surgery. Small instruments used in the procedure cause less damage to the surrounding tissues than large surgical devices. A usual arthroscopic surgery takes less than an hour and you can return home the same day of the surgery.

There are some joint conditions that can’t be treated by arthroscopic procedures but arthroscopic diagnosis can be an invaluable tool to avoid invasive surgery. So, make sure that you understand all the available options and ensure that the arthroscopic surgeon is accustomed to these methods before proceeding and don’t hesitate to seek a second choice. Recovery time after arthroscopy is also less.