What is it?

Arthroscopy is a procedure by which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and/or treatment using a tube-like viewing instrument called an arthroscope.

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Do I need it?

Disease and injuries can damage bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons.

Arthroscopy can be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of many non-inflammatory, inflammatory and infectious types of arthritis as well as both acute and chronic injuries within the joint such as cartilage tears, ligament strains and tears, carpel tunnel syndrome etc.

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How do I prepare?

Your doctor will enquire about your general health and assess your fitness for surgery.

Inform your doctor if:

a. You or your immediate family has had any problems with anesthesia

b. You are taking medication or have used steroids in the past year

c. You have a bleeding disorder

d. You have sickle cell anemia

e. You are pregnant or

f. You have concerns about the transfusion of blood.

Selected blood tests and possibly a Chest X-ray and Electrocardiogram (ECG) may be required prior to surgery.

You should not take aspirin, or medications containing aspirin, for at least 2 weeks before the surgery.

If you get an upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) or fever during the five days prior to surgery, please inform your doctor. If general anesthesia is planned for your procedure, your doctor may need to reschedule the surgery as an URTI may increase the risk from anesthesia.

If general anesthesia is planned for your procedure, do not eat or drink after midnight before your surgery. This restriction includes water. The contents of the stomach may be vomited during induction of general anesthesia and this is dangerous.

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What to expect

The procedure usually takes less than an hour. Arthroscopy can be performed under a general anesthetic, a spinal or epidural anesthetic or a regional block. The type of anesthesia used depends on the joint being examined and your medical health.

An incision will be made on the side of the joint to be examined, and the arthroscope will be inserted into the incision. Several other incisions may be made to see other parts of the joint or insert other instruments. Once the procedure is completed, the incision will be either sewn closed or covered with adhesive strips.

Depending on the type of anesthesia used, you may experience temporary post-operative symptoms, which include:

a. Drowsiness and nausea

b. Low grade fever

c. Sore throat

d. Slight bleeding at the wound site

You will be given detailed instructions with regards to wound care.

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Next actions

If you have been administered general anesthesia, an adult must accompany you home. For the next 24 hours after surgery, a small amount of sedative may still be present in your body. Hence, you are advised not to carry out the following:

a. Drive a vehicle

b. Drink alcohol

c. Operate machinery

d. Take sedatives unless prescribed by the doctor

e. Sign any legal documents

Before leaving, you should have:

a. A medical certificate

b. A prescription written by your doctor and

c. A return appointment at the clinic for your post-operative visit.

If you experience significant pain or bleeding at the wound site or fever, please seek treatment at the Emergency Department TTSH.

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