ArthroCare

ArthroCare is a medical procedure that involves the use of specialized devices to perform surgery on joints, particularly the knee, shoulder, and hip. The procedure is minimally invasive and is often used to treat conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sports injuries.

History

ArthroCare was first introduced in the late 20th century as a less invasive alternative to traditional open surgery. The procedure was developed in response to the need for a surgical method that would minimize tissue damage and speed up recovery time.

Procedure

The ArthroCare procedure involves the use of a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The arthroscope is equipped with a light and a camera, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint on a video monitor.

The surgeon can then use small surgical instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue. The instruments are inserted through additional small incisions around the joint. The procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia.

Benefits

ArthroCare offers several benefits over traditional open surgery. These include less tissue damage, less pain after surgery, faster recovery times, and a lower risk of complications such as infection.

Risks

As with any surgical procedure, ArthroCare carries some risks. These can include infection, bleeding, damage to surrounding tissues, and complications related to anesthesia. However, the risk of these complications is generally lower with ArthroCare than with traditional open surgery.

See Also

• Orthopedic surgery
• Minimally invasive surgery
• Arthritis