Have you ever experienced an injury during or after exercising? Starting from sprains, sprains, muscle cramps, or even broken bones, some people have definitely felt it. This injury occurs as a response to the body during exercise, especially if you do not warm up or are not careful when exercising.
If your sports injury causes joint problems, the doctor may perform an arthroscopic procedure as one way to treat it. Check out this article to find out more about the use of arthroscopy for sports injuries, what its benefits and functions are, and how the procedure works.
Understanding What Arthroscopy Is
Arthroscopy is a procedure used to treat various types of disorders that occur in the joints. The joint disorders in question can include inflammation, injury or damage to any joint, such as the knee, elbow, shoulder, hip, ankle or wrist. Arthroscopy is a special operation (minimally invasive surgery) . In practice, arthroscopy is performed by a doctor by making a small incision hole. This incision is made so that you can insert the arthroscope into the joint, such as peering into the room through a door keyhole.
The arthroscope, the tool used in this procedure, is a small tube equipped with a camera and light. This tool is inserted into the body through a small incision that has been made previously. The camera on the arthroscope captures detailed images of the inside of the joint and displays the images on a monitor screen. Through this monitor display, doctors can see the condition of the joints directly, diagnose the type of injury experienced by the patient, and determine the most appropriate treatment steps based on the visualization obtained, so that arthroscopy is a very effective and efficient procedure.
What is the Function of Arthroscopy?
Arthroscopic procedures are useful for treating sports injuries, especially injuries that occur in areas that affect joints and bones. The sports injury conditions that can be diagnosed and treated with arthroscopy include:
- Arthritis, or inflammation of the joints.
- Bursitis, or inflammation and tearing of the joint pads.
- Injuries to cartilage.
- Patellofemoral pain syndrome , or knee pain syndrome.
- Ligament injuries in the knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles and hands.
- Joint dislocation (joint displacement).
Arthroscopy Examination Procedure
The arthroscopic procedure begins with administering anesthesia to the patient, which can be regional or total, depending on the patient's condition and location of surgery. After the patient is anesthetized, the skin area on the part of the body that will undergo the arthroscopic procedure is cleaned with an antiseptic fluid to reduce the risk of infection. The doctor then makes a small incision in the patient's skin, which is similar in size to a keyhole (1 cm). This incision serves as an entry point for the arthroscope and allows the doctor to insert other surgical instruments if needed. Overall, this arthroscopic procedure generally takes between 30 minutes to 2 hours.
After Arthroscopy, What to Do?
There are several things that need to be considered to care for the joint area after carrying out an arthroscopic procedure, namely:
- Apply a compress to the joint area using ice wrapped in a towel or cloth to reduce swelling.
- Rest the joint completely.
- Take pain relievers and antibiotics according to the doctor's prescription.
- Avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.
- Undergoing rehabilitation therapy.
- Use a brace to protect the joint if necessary.
Arthroscopy is an effective, efficient and relatively safe procedure for treating various sports injuries, including joint injuries which often occur in athletes and other active individuals. With proper preparation, implementation and accurate recovery, patients can quickly return to normal activities and reduce the risk of long-term complications.
Written by Dr. M. Alvin Shiddieqy Pohan, Sp.OT (K) Sport Injury (Specialist in Orthopedics and Traumalogy, Sports Injury Consultant at EMC Tangerang Hospital).