Some Useful Information for Those Undergoing Arthroscopy Surgery in Pretoria
When faced with the prospect of entering a hospital for an operation, it is quite natural for the average human being to display some concerns. Such procedures are generally very invasive and the fact that, before they may proceed, surgeons are obliged to make their patients aware of the potential risks that may occasionally materialise, can tend to be a little disconcerting.
That said, all but a very small percentage of elective procedures in general prove to be a total success. In the case of arthroscopy surgery, such as that performed by the Pretoria Hip, Knee and Shoulder Surgeons, these are only minimally invasive procedures, and experience has proven them to display an exceptional success rate and a near-negligible incidence of complications. The techniques involved have been well-established over many years, and orthopaedic specialists receive intensive training regarding their applicability in differing scenarios.
Generally used more often as a diagnostic tool than it is to conduct treatments, its root comes from the Greek word “arthron” – meaning joint. Understandably then, arthroscopy surgery is used in Pretoria and other major cities to investigate and to treat disorders of the joints, notably those of the shoulder, the hip, and the knee. Such joint disorders are most often the result of an injury, or due to damage arising from the condition known as osteoarthritis.
An endoscope is inserted via a tiny keyhole incision, and its built-in camera then relays images of the joint’s interior to a screen or an eyepiece. This type of examination is of particular value in cases of joint pain and swelling that may be affecting mobility, but in which conventional scanning procedures have failed to reveal any clue to the possible cause. Depending upon the findings of this exploratory step, it may also be possible for the surgeon to go ahead and treat a confirmed problem via the same keyhole incision.
Typically, arthroscopy surgery, as practiced in Pretoria and elsewhere, can be used to repair damaged cartilage, to remove bone and cartilage fragments, or to drain excess fluid from joints. Both explorations and treatments are normally carried out under general anaesthesia. However, when a general may be contraindicated, an epidural or local anaesthetic is just as effective. In the absence of such contraindications, patients are often given the freedom to choose.
Before proceeding, the specialist will perform an assessment of the patient’s general health to confirm his or her readiness for the upcoming arthroscopy surgery. Thereafter, in Pretoria and similar orthopaedic centres, the surgeon will outline the proposed procedure and provide details of fasting requirements, whether to continue or discontinue current medication, the likely recovery period, the possible need for some post-operative physiotherapy, and of course, any possible risks.
It is possible that the findings of the exploratory procedure might reveal the need for a total or partial joint replacement, and in such cases, a more radical intervention will be necessary. However, these procedures also have an excellent record of success.
The target of many referrals, both from within South Africa and overseas, and specialising in arthroplasty and arthroscopy, Pretoria Hip, Knee and Shoulder Surgeons has, under the leadership of Dr Jan De Vos, earned the status of a centre of excellence in the field of orthopaedic surgery.