Diagnosing joint injuries and disease begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. Sometimes x-rays and laboratory tests are required to help diagnose the problem. Further diagnosis using arthroscopy may be required because it gives a precise, direct view of the affected bones and soft tissues(including the ligaments and cartilege). With the arthroscope, surgeons can see more of the joint than is possible with a large incision made during an 'open' operation. In addition, areas that are sometimes difficult to see on an x-ray can be seen during arthroscopy.
A joint usually contains dense, pad-like structures called menscii(or cartilages) and fibre -like tissues called ligaments. The cartilages and ligaments cushion the bones and stabilise the joint so that the joint can move easily without pain. Additional stability and the ability to control movement are provided by tendons and muscles which are attached to the bones on each side of the joint.
Disease and injuries can damage bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles and tendons. Some of the most frequent conditions found during diagnosis arthroscopic examination of joints are:
1/ Torn or abnormal cartilage
2/ Torn ligaments
3/ Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
4/ Damaged joint surfaces
5/Inflammation of the joint lining
6/Misaligned bones(suchas the kneecap).
Even though the inside of most joints can be viewed with the arthroscope, only a few joints are frequently examined with this procedure. The knee is, by far, the most common joint examined. Other include the shoulder, elbow, ankle, hip, and wrist. As advances are made by engineers in electronic tecnology and new surgical techniques are developed by orthopaedic surgeons, other joints may be viewed and treated with arthroscopy in the future.
Author: New Zealand Orthopaedic Association / The Wishbone Trust.
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Contributor's Note
End of Part 2. Next Part 3: How is arthroscopy performed?
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