Arthroscopy: Part 5. What are the advantages?

Arthroscope surgery is an extremely valuable tool and is generally easier than 'open surgery'. Many patients have arthroscopic surgery as outpatients - either in the hospital or in a daycare surgical unit. They often have the procedure in the morning and leave in the afternoon or early evening.

Those who stay overnight in the hospital have a much shorter stay than patients who have had open operations.

The small surgical wounds from arthroscopy, often closed with only one or two stitches, and sometimes none, ensure a more pleasing appearance than the scars caused by open surgery. Because the wounds are small, the patients immediate post-operative pain is less and this allows a more rapid rehabilitation and healing time.

It is not unusual for patients to go back to work or school ore resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and others who are in good physical condition may in some cases return to athletic activities in a few weeks. patients may have varied diagnoses and pre-existing diseases making each patient's recovery time unique.

Author: New Zealand Orthaepedic Association/ Wishbone Trust