Joint Arthroscopy: Knee, Shoulder, Ankle and Wrist

Overview

Joint Arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems in the knee, shoulder, ankle and wrist. It can also be used to assess the results of a previous surgery. During the surgery, the surgeon will examine and repair the problem with the help of the arthroscope, a small camera attached to a video monitor. Most Arthroscopic procedures only require three or four small incisions that may be closed with stitches or special surgical tape called steristrips. Surgery is usually less than an hour depending on the type of procedure performed.

What to expect

You will be admitted to the center and assessed by a pre-op nurse. For privacy reasons, we ask family to wait in the waiting room unless the patient is a minor or unable to legally sign his or her paperwork. You will need to change into a hospital gown and will be asked to lie down on a stretcher. If you have any body piercings, dentures or contact lenses, you will be asked to remove them. The nurse will record your vital signs, start an IV and shave the surgical site if necessary. Your surgeon will speak with you prior to the procedure and make a mark on your surgical site. You will then be given sedation and taken to the operating room. For most Arthroscopic procedures, you will receive a general anesthetic that will put you completely to sleep for the surgery. Our anesthesia staff is also able to perform pre-surgical pain blocks for post-operative pain control if your procedure indicates a need for a block.

Surgeries usually are less than an hour but can last longer depending on the scope of your injury or condition. After your surgery, you will wake up and be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit, or PACU. Most patients are in the PACU 30 minutes to an hour before being discharged to go home. In the PACU, the nurse will give your family member instructions about your post-surgical care, your pain medications and any restrictions you may have. As a courtesy, we will call the physician’s office to schedule any follow-up visits or physical therapy appointments.

How to prepare

You will need to call or come by the surgery center to talk with a nurse to go over your pre-procedure instructions at least two days prior to your procedure. Depending on your age and health history, you may need to have lab work or other tests done before your surgery. If you are on any type of blood thinners, you will need to consult with your physician about discontinuing them prior to the procedure. Patients may not eat or drink anything after midnight on the day of surgery. Please wear loose fitting clothing for ease of dressing when you get ready to leave. We also ask you leave any jewelry or valuables at home. You will need to arrange to have someone stay with you the entire time you are at the center and to drive you home. It is recommended you have someone with you at least 24 hours following a general anesthesia procedure. Please bring any braces, arm slings, crutches or special shoes with you the day of your surgery.

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