Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy provides a safe and effective way to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal problems, including arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff tears. At NY Partners Orthopedics in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens and Brooklyn, New York City, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Ronald Huang, MD, uses arthroscopy to view and make repairs inside the joints. Call the New York City-area practice today to request an arthroscopy consultation, or make your appointment online.

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses an arthroscope –– a thin tube with a light and high-definition camera on its end –– to diagnose and/or treat musculoskeletal problems.

At NY Partners Orthopedics, Dr. Huang uses arthroscopy to address issues affecting the:

• Elbows
• Feet and ankles
• Hands and wrists
• Hips
• Knees

Arthroscopy can diagnose shoulder problems, including frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, and shoulder impingement.

Who is a candidate for arthroscopy?

You could benefit from arthroscopy if you’ve suffered a sports or workplace injury and your symptoms don’t improve with nonsurgical treatments, like splinting, physical therapy, steroid injections, and rest.

How do I prepare for arthroscopy?

Before recommending arthroscopy, Dr. Huang completes a preoperative physical.

Let him know about your medications and supplements and if you have any allergies or underlying medical conditions. Dr. Huang might ask you to stop taking certain drugs, like blood thinners, in the days before surgery to reduce your risk of complications. The night before arthroscopy, fast for at least 12 hours, only drinking water.

What does arthroscopy involve?

Arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, so you don’t need to stay in the hospital overnight.

When you arrive at the hospital, Dr. Huang administers a general anesthetic, causing you to fall asleep. He then makes several small incisions near the treatment site and inserts the arthroscope and small surgical tools.

The arthroscope provides a video feed that Dr. Huang views on a TV monitor in the operating room. He uses the images to examine your joint, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage checking for disease or damage.

Dr. Huang uses his surgical tools to treat the problem, closes your incisions, and wraps them in a bandage. Most arthroscopic procedures take 30-60 minutes.

What is recovery like after arthroscopy?

After arthroscopic surgery, you rest a few hours in a recovery suite while the anesthetic wears off. A friend or family can drive you home after.

During the first week, you’ll typically experience swelling, bruising, and increased sensitivity. Avoid putting weight on the affected area, take your medication as prescribed, and keep your incisions clean and covered.

Most people can return to work and other routine activities within a week or two, but depending on the problems treated, it might take longer.

Call NY Partners Orthopedics today to see if you can benefit from arthroscopy or book your appointment online.