Arthroscopic surgery is a type of medical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems. While many of the body's major joints can be operated on arthroscopically, it’s most often associated with knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries. To help you better understand this revolutionary type of orthopedic treatment, below are three benefits it offers. 

3 Advantages of Arthroscopic Procedures

1. Less Invasive

Arthroscopic surgery is performed by making a small incision in the skin and inserting a tiny camera into the joint. This gives the orthopedic surgeon a full view of the inside of the joint and tells them where the particular issue is and how it needs to be remedied. As a result of the smaller incision, there’s typically less swelling, pain, and scarring after arthroscopic surgery.

2. Reduced Recovery Time

With comparatively little swelling or pain, recovery time is generally much faster with arthroscopic procedures than with traditional open surgeries. Also, your orthopedic surgeon usually won't have to cut through as many muscles and tendons to get to the afflicted area, since the camera will specifically pinpoint the issue. For you, this means less downtime, less pain, and a faster return to your daily activities. 

3. Fewer Complications

With traditional surgery, there are any number of complications that may develop. Larger incisions can cause infection or significant blood loss, and cutting through muscles and tendons could cause even further damage to the joint. With arthroscopic surgery, the odds of developing any of these outcomes is drastically reduced.

Now that you know some of the benefits of arthroscopic surgery, see if it's the right choice for you. Orthopedic surgeon Peter A. Matsuura, M.D., has been helping Hilo, HI, residents heal for more than 20 years. He offers surgery and treatment for many different health concerns, including hip, shoulder, and knee pain, broken bones, and sports injuries. Call (808) 969-3331 or visit him online to schedule a consultation.