Arthroscopy Procedure: Details of the Purpose and Diagnostic Process

This report provides a detailed overview of the arthroscopy procedure, a surgical technique used to visualize and treat joint problems. The report explains the purpose of arthroscopy, which involves examining the inside of a joint to diagnose and treat various conditions such as inflammation, cartilage damage, and ligament tears. It outlines the procedure, including the use of a small incision, the insertion of an arthroscope with a camera, and the potential need for corrective actions. The report also covers the time required for the procedure, the role of the orthopedic diagnostic imaging department, and the tasks of the hospital unit clerk in booking and preparing the patient. Finally, the report lists the conditions that can be treated using arthroscopy, such as inflamed joint linings, loose bone fragments, scarring within joints, torn or damaged cartilage, and torn ligaments. This assignment is available on Desklib, a platform offering study resources for students.

ARTHROSCOPY

Purpose of the Procedure
• This word is made up of two Greek words, “arthro” which means
“joint” and “skopein” which means “to look”
• Orthopedic surgeons utilize this surgical procedure to get a picture,
diagnose, and cure the issues in the joints ("Arthroscopy - OrthoInfo -
AAOS", 2020).
• This test is recommended mainly when the patient has inflammation
in joints, injury in joints, or damage to a joint at a certain point in
time.
• Mostly, this test is performed on the shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow,
wrist, or hip.

Procedure of the Test
• For this test, a small incision is made by the surgeon in the skin of the
patient.
• Then, an insertion of pencil-sized instruments to visualize the
structures inside the joint is performed with the help of a small lens
and lighting system attached to the instrument.
• The image of the joint can be seen by the surgeon on a television
screen by attaching the arthroscope with a television camera.
• With the utilization of this camera, the surgeon can observe the
ligaments, cartilage, and under the kneecap.

Continued…
• With the help of this procedure, the type and amount of injury can be
determined by the surgeon.
• If required, the surgeon will then correct or repair it.
• For this procedure, the surgeon will provide the patient with
anesthesia depending upon the type of joint undergoing this
procedure.
• After the procedure, the arthroscope will be removed and the wound
will be closed with the use of special tapes or stitches ("What Is
Arthroscopy?", 2020).

Time Required for the
Procedure
• Thirty minutes is the actual time required for the procedure.
• Sometimes, it will extend to about forty-five minutes if some
extensive work is needed.
• During this procedure, most of the patients fall to sleep completely
because of general anesthesia.

Diagnostic Imaging Department
Booked for the Procedure
• For this arthroscopy procedure, the hospital unit clerk needs to
contact the orthopedic diagnostic imaging department in order to
book the given procedure or test.
• The orthopedic department is required as this is the department that
deals with the joints.
• The orthopedic surgeons perform this procedure when some
diagnostic questions remain unanswered after X-rays and other
imaging procedures.

Tasks of the Hospital Unit Clerk
• The hospital unit clerk needs to book the assigned procedure in the
particular department of imaging for the patient.
• He needs to explain the procedure to the patients.
• Then, ask them to change their cloth and wear the surgical gown.
• Then, he must provide them with the prescribed antibiotics to
prevent infections if required.

Conditions Treated with the
Help of Arthroscopy
• Inflamed joint linings
• Loose bone fragments
• Scarring within joints
• Torn or damaged cartilage
• Torn ligaments

References
• Arthroscopy - OrthoInfo - AAOS. (2020). Retrieved 27 March 2020,
from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/arthroscopy/
• What Is Arthroscopy?. (2020). Retrieved 27 March 2020, from
https://www.webmd.com/arthritis/what-is-arthroscopy#1