Patients visiting hospitals for knee pain often ask, “Will surgery require a large incision?” In the past, treating or examining the inside of a joint meant making wide incisions through skin and muscle. This approach led to significant post-surgical pain and prolonged recovery times.
Today, a small camera called an arthroscope—roughly the thickness of a finger—allows doctors to directly visualize the inside of a joint and perform necessary treatments. The arthroscope, used alongside specialized instruments, enables the removal or repair of damaged tissue with precision.
Arthroscopic surgery is commonly performed for conditions affecting major joints like the knee, shoulder, and ankle. Typical examples include meniscal tears in the knee, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, rotator cuff tears in the shoulder, and cartilage damage in the ankle. Arthroscopy is particularly valuable because it can detect injuries not clearly visible on MRI or CT scans, making it a powerful tool for both diagnosis and treatment.
However, this procedure is not suitable for everyone. For patients with advanced degenerative arthritis, where joint cartilage is severely damaged, treatments like joint replacement surgery may be more appropriate than arthroscopy. Decisions about the best course of treatment should consider the patient’s age, the extent of joint damage, and their lifestyle.
Surgery alone does not complete the treatment process. Rehabilitation is essential. Initially, therapy focuses on reducing swelling and pain in the joint, followed by restoring the range of motion. Later, strengthening exercises help stabilize the joint. Diligent rehabilitation is critical for a smooth return to daily activities.
Arthroscopic surgery offers a way to diagnose and treat joint conditions with minimal incisions. For those experiencing significant joint pain that disrupts daily life, consulting with a medical professional to determine the most suitable treatment is highly recommended.
Kim Kuk Ju, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
