Joint damage can be a highly disruptive problem that can impair a person's ability to function on a daily basis as well as causing intense discomfort and pain. For patients that are suffering from these problems, there are surgical procedures that can be used to help correct the damages that may have occurred to the joint.
Will Joint Surgery Always Be Highly Invasive?
Individuals that are needing to undergo joint surgery may procrastinate on getting this treatment due to concerns about it being highly invasive and extremely painful. However, the development of arthroscopic surgery allows patients to have a variety of joint issues corrected in a minimally invasive way. Rather than a large incision being made, a very small incision is made so that the arthroscopic tool can be inserted into the joint. This will allow the necessary work to be done while minimizing the impacts that this procedure has on the patient.
Is Any Patient Eligible For Arthroscopic Surgery?
Not surprisingly, individuals will typically prefer the least invasive option for having their surgery done. While this is an understandable preference, it should be noted that it is not always a viable option for individuals that are needing to undergo joint surgery. For those that are needing excessive scar tissue removed or other relatively common procedures, arthroscopic surgery can be an effective option. However, individuals that need more involved and complicated procedures may find that this is not a viable option for their situation and needs. During your initial consultation with your doctor, you will be able to learn more about whether arthroscopic or other minimally invasive procedures are a suitable treatment option for your joint injury.
What Is The Recovery From An Arthroscopic Procedure Like?
An important advantage of undergoing an arthroscopic procedure is that the recovery will generally be much quicker and generally easier for the patient. However, it should be noted that patients may still require some physical rehabilitation after this type of surgery. Depending on the particular work that was done to the joint, the patient may need to undergo strengthening and flexibility exercises to restore the joint to its full range of motion and strength. While this can be a lengthy process, individuals that have undergone arthroscopic surgery will find that the pain that they experience following this procedure will be mild, and it should pass fairly soon. This can lead to some individuals assuming that the rehabilitation is no longer needed, but these sessions are needed to ensure you have a full long-term recovery.
Contact a clinic like Town Center Orthopaedic Associates, P.C. to learn more.