arthroscopic surgery
Minimally invasive for maximum recovery.
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure Dr. Boyett uses to diagnose and treat joint problems, including inflammation, injury, and degeneration.
Dr. Boyett performs the procedure using an arthroscope – a pencil-sized tube that can be inserted through a small incision. The arthroscope contains a fiber-optic light and video camera that sends images to a monitor where Dr. Boyett can see magnified views of the joint and surrounding tissue. This allows him to determine the cause of your problems as well as the extent of the damage.
Arthroscopic surgery is a popular option because it typically results in less pain and stiffness than open surgery, and because recovery generally takes less time.
The small incisions and narrow instruments used during arthroscopy cause significantly less trauma compared to conventional open surgery. As a result, benefits include:
- Less postoperative pain
- Reduced bleeding
- Quicker recovery
- Minimal scarring
- Earlier return to your usual activities
Arthroscopy is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure. Your rehabilitation and recovery time depend on the type of procedure.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Dr. Boyett performs shoulder arthroscopy to examine and repair the tissue around your shoulder joint, as well as to treat a variety of shoulder conditions such as rotator cuff tears and labrum repairs.
During the procedure, Dr. Boyett will make several small incisions in your shoulder through which he inserts a small camera attached to a fiber-optic cable to view the inside of your shoulder joint. This camera projects pictures of your shoulder joint to a video screen, which Dr. Boyett uses to locate the source of your injury. He the uses miniature surgical instruments to restore your shoulder’s mobility.
Shoulder arthroscopy is an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. The procedure itself usually takes less than an hour. Though full recovery can take weeks, exercise and physical therapy can help the healing process.
Knee Arthroscopy
During knee arthroscopy, Dr. Boyett inserts an arthroscope into your knee joint. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor that he uses to guide miniature surgical instruments.
Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are so small, arthroscopic surgery allows for very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. This results in less pain and joint stiffness for patients and often shortens the time it takes to recover and return to favorite activities.
Dr. Boyett may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Conditions most treated with arthroscopic surgery include ACL reconstruction and repair, meniscus repairs, and cartilage procedures.