Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is an orthopedic surgical procedure that involves the use of a small camera. The camera is attached to a surgical instrument called the arthroscope. This kind of surgery is used to treat conditions of the ankles, the knees, the shoulders, the hip joints etc.
Today, we at MyMedTrip.com, shall brief you on the various kinds of arthroscopic surgery, such as arthroscopic shoulder or arthroscopic surgery of the knee. We will also give you information on arthroscopic surgery cost in India, the surgery’s success rates, and the number of days required for it.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost of arthroscopic surgery in India | 1, 500 USD – 2, 672 USD |
| Discount | 10% on the above quoted price (final hospital’s bill) ONLY APPLICABLE ONLY FOR MyMedTrip.com patients Click here for exceptions and terms. |
| Number of days at hospital (Estimated) | 2 -3 days |
| Number of days in India outside hospital (Estimated) | 7-8 days |
| Treatment’s Success Rate | Over 90% |
| Tests required to help assess the treatment | X-ray, MRI, blood tests, and overall organ tests (kidney function, liver function, etc) cell test. |
What is covered in the above mentioned cost for surgery?
This price includes surgery cost, doctor’s fee, standard prescribed tests and all standard expenses required at the hospital.
About arthroscopic surgery
The word arthroscopy is rooted in two Greek words, the ‘arthron’ which implies ‘joint’, and ‘skopein’ meaning ‘to examine’. Together they establish the meaning, ‘to examine the joint’.
Arthroscopic surgery was first used on the knees by a professor of Tokyo University, Kenji Takagi in the second decades of twentieth century. From then on this technique has been variously developed by practitioners and researchers from around the world.
In India, this surgery was initiated in the 1970s and has since then made landmark achievements. The benefits of this kind of surgery, was and is, multiple. This surgery has a faster recovery rate with the requirement of small incisions. Furthermore, this type of surgery also reduces the chances of infection and heals the surgical wounds with minimal complications.
Additionally, there is minimal damage to surrounding areas at the surgical site, which in an open surgery, would have been a very big risk factor.
Types of arthroscopic surgery
Since this is a ‘technique’ of performing a surgery, arthroscopic surgery can be used in many areas of the body’s joints. Some of the areas on which it is used are:-
- The shoulders
- The wrists
- The elbows
- The hip
- The ankles
- The knees
Among these aforementioned areas, arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder are the most widely performed surgeries in India.
Arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopic surgery can be used to treat a variety of conditions, most of them pertaining to problems with the joints. It may be used to treat traumatic injuries such as dislocation or rotator cuff tears.
It also treats inflammation of joints caused by degenerated bones. Thus the various conditions that this surgery treats are:-
- Repair of damaged cartilage in the knees.
- Correction of inflamed joints
- Treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition of the wrists.
- Repair of torn meniscus in the knees
- Repair of rotator cuff in the shoulders
Alongside these conditions, arthroscopic surgery may also be used to treat bursitis shoulders, for ACL reconstruction, for PCL reconstruction, etc.
Arthroscopic surgery procedure
The first steps towards this surgery would involve visiting an orthopedic surgeon. Thus, upon first consultation, a patient who is suffering from a bone/joint condition, will be asked to get some tests done.
Tests required before the arthroscopic surgery
These tests are suggested to determine the degree of damage and the overall physical health of the patient. Some of the tests will be:-
- X-ray
- MRI
- CBC
- ECG
- PT/PTT
- Kidney, liver, heart function
Preparing for arthroscopic surgery
Following the results of the test, the surgeon will discuss the type of procedure and the treatment methods with the patient. If an arthroscopy seems a viable treatment option, the surgeon suggests it to the patient.
Alongside this, the surgeon will give a set of instructions that should be followed on the days prior to the surgery. Some of these instructions will be:-
- Refraining from blood-thinning agents
- Refraining from certain kinds of medications such as painkillers
- Refraining from alcohol consumption
- Avoid smoking tobacco
- Refrain from any kind of food consumption, solid or liquid.
If a patient needs to take certain medications and cannot avoid them, they must discuss this with the surgeon. Additionally, medicines can be taken with a small sip of water on the night before surgery.
Arthroscopic surgery procedure
The surgery commences under a general anesthesia which renders the whole body unconscious. Sometimes, the surgeon may also opt for regional anesthesia that only renders a specific area unconscious. The patient will be awake during the surgical process. If a regional anesthesia is used, it will be used along with sedatives to reduce the sensation of pain.
The surgery begins with the surgeon marking the area for incisions. Through one of the incisions, an arthroscope will be inserted. The surgeon adds some sterile fluid in the area being operated. This enhances the images of internal structures which are being projected through the arthroscope onto the screen.
Following this, the surgeon will insert other surgical tools to perform the surgery. Any damages will be repaired. Any requirement for reconstruction of a specific area will be done following the repairing of the damage.
In the last step, the surgeon will close the incision with self adhesive stitches.
Recovering from arthroscopic surgery
Since arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique, it is done on an outpatient basis. This implies that the patient will be able to go home on the same day as the surgery.
However, should the patient require additional monitoring after surgery, the surgeon will keep them for a day or two. During this time, the patient’s vital organs will be monitored. The patient’s response to the surgery will be monitored as well.
During the discharge of the patient, the doctor will give specific instructions to follow for faster recovery. Assistive devices will be given to the patient if it is required.
Physical therapy plays a very important role in this. The patient is advised to do routine exercises. Alongside this, dietary instructions will also be given. During recovery, the patient must:-
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry.
- Observe that there is no liquid discharge from the surgical site.
- Use the assistive device properly.
- Follow up with the appointments on time.
- Do regular physiotherapy.
- Refrain from strenuous activities.
- Take showers cautiously.
- Use the stairs cautiously.
- Keep the operated area on an elevated position
In addition to this, the patient must take regular medications and call the doctor immediately if they have persistent pain, high fever, or fluid discharge from the surgical site.
The recovery from an arthroscopic surgery is faster than a traditionally open surgery. It may take a few months to recover completely. However, the exact recovery time depends on what condition of the bone is being treated by this arthroscopic surgery.
Risks of arthroscopic surgery
The risks of an arthroscopic surgery are:-
- Blood clots
- Infection
- Swelling
- Anesthesia complications
Since arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive technique, the risks associated with this are very less. There are almost no complications in most cases.
How can MyMedTrip.com help?
If you have decided to travel to India for Arthroscopic surgery, you may contact us on our Whatsapp number +91 9818237391 or email us at hi@mymedtrip.com The first consultation arranged by us is free of cost! We also provide visa invitation letters and help in facilitating the medical journey to India.
Throughout the journey, you shall be provided with one of our staff members for proper guidance through linguistic barriers, even though most of the hospitals and doctors we feature are well versed with Arabic, Russian,Bengali, and English.
If you have any further queries or questions related to Arthroscopic surgery in India, please do not hesitate to email us at the aforementioned address.
Frequently Asked Questions about Arthroscopic surgery
What is arthroscopic surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is an orthopedic procedure which is minimally invasive.
What is an arthroscope?
An arthroscope is a small pencil-shaped device which is fixed to a camera and light.
What conditions does arthroscopic surgery treat?
Arthroscopic surgery treats various conditions of the shoulder, hands, knees, and wrists. It is a minimally invasive technique which is used upon requirement in various conditions of the joint in our body.
What is the most commonly performed arthroscopic surgery in India?
The most commonly performed surgery using the arthroscopic technique, is knee arthroscopic surgery.
How many types of arthroscopic surgery is performed in India?
The various types of arthroscopic surgery performed in India are knee arthroscopic surgery, shoulder arthroscopic surgery, elbow arthroscopic surgery, hip arthroscopic surgery, and ankle arthroscopic surgery.
What are the benefits of arthroscopic surgery?
The benefits associated with arthroscopic surgery are many. This surgery ensures faster recovery, lesser complications, lesser damage to surrounding areas, lesser infection rate etc.
What kind of anesthesia is used for arthroscopic surgery?
Usually, the doctor will use general anesthesia. Sometimes, a local or regional anesthesia may also be opted for.
What are the risks of arthroscopic surgery?
The risks of arthroscopic surgery are very less. They may be infection, blood clots, and swelling.
When to visit the doctor after arthroscopic surgery?
Visit the doctor after an arthroscopic surgery for follow-up consultations.
Is arthroscopic surgery an outpatient or inpatient procedure?
Arthroscopic surgery is generally an outpatient procedure. However, sometimes, the patient may be kept for a day or two for observation purposes.
When should I immediately call the doctor if I suspect a risk?
One must call the doctor immediately if the patient is suffering from high fever, persistent pain, or fluid discharge from the surgical site.
