Department of Arthroscopy & Sports Medicine

Adhering to international standards, the Department of Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine is focused on providing treatment with high-end technology. This branch of orthopaedics is solely focused on surgical procedures of joints and addressing injuries sustained while playing any sport or indulging in physical activity. 

What is Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is an advanced orthopaedic intervention that uses detailed imaging guidance to diagnose, assess and treat various joint problems using a minimally invasive approach. The procedure is performed with the help of a fibre optic surgical camera, which is introduced inside the patient’s body via a very small incision. The camera is then carefully moved around, so as to clearly examine the concerned area. In some cases, if the doctors feel that the problem needs to be addressed right away, additional incisions are made to introduce the special surgical equipment.

Why is arthroscopy done?
Earlier arthroscopy was only done for problems concerning knee or shoulder joints. Owing to the recent advancements in technology, it is possible to perform a majority of orthopaedic interventions using this technique. Arthroscopy may be performed for any of the following reasons:

• To diagnose a joint problem 
• To assess and evaluate the condition of the affected joint
• To treat minor to moderate joint problems
• To collect a tissue sample for biopsy
• To extract loosened bone fragments
• To treat damaged cartilage 
• To treat torn ligaments
• To remove joint scarring 
• To drain abscesses or fluids

The procedure can be performed on varied areas of the body, like:

• Knee
• Shoulder
• Elbow
• Ankle
• Hip
• Wrist

When can arthroscopy help? 
Arthroscopic procedure can be helpful if one has any of the following problems:

• Persistent joint pain 
• Chronic swelling
• Severe stiffness
• Limited range of motion 

What are the benefits of arthroscopy?

• Minimal swelling and inflammation 
• Faster recovery
• Improved function 
• Shorter surgical time 
• Minimal to no risk of infection
• Decreased risk of arthrofibrosis/ post-surgical stiffness
• Reduced bleeding

What is sports medicine?
Sports medicine is a specialized branch of orthopaedics that is solely focused on addressing injuries sustained while playing sports or indulging in physical activity. Such injuries can be a result of excessive wear and tear caused by overuse, improper technique or form or lack of proper conditioning or warm-up. Sports medicine focuses on the diagnosis, assessment and treatment of such injuries along with their rehabilitation to ensure swift recovery. 

Some of the most common types of sports injuries are:

• ACL or Anterior cruciate ligament injury 
• Recurrent Shoulder Dislocation
• Rotator cuff tear
• Multiligamentous knee injury
• Meniscus tear
• MPFL tear 
• Cartilage injuries
• Tendinitis

How long does it take to recover? 
Arthroscopy helps to directly address the concerned problem, with minimal disturbance to the surrounding structures. As such, the time taken for recovery is significantly shorter than that involved in open surgery. Patients usually start walking within a day. It may take about a week or two to return back to your daily activities. Rigorous physical activities are to be avoided unless your doctor permits you for the same.