Arthrotomy

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Arthrotomy

An arthrotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an opening into a joint to allow for direct access to the interior of the joint. This procedure is typically performed to diagnose or treat joint conditions, such as arthritis, joint infection, or to remove loose bodies within the joint.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Arthrotomy is indicated in several clinical scenarios, including:

  • Severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis requiring joint debridement or synovectomy.
  • Septic arthritis where joint irrigation and debridement are necessary.
  • Removal of foreign bodies or loose bodies within the joint.
  • Repair of joint structures such as ligaments, tendons, or cartilage.
  • Biopsy of joint tissues for diagnostic purposes.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. The steps involved in an arthrotomy include:

  1. **Incision**: A surgical incision is made over the affected joint.
  2. **Exposure**: The soft tissues are carefully dissected to expose the joint capsule.
  3. **Capsulotomy**: The joint capsule is incised to gain access to the joint space.
  4. **Intervention**: The necessary surgical intervention is performed, such as debridement, removal of loose bodies, or repair of joint structures.
  5. **Closure**: The joint capsule, soft tissues, and skin are sutured back in layers.

Recovery[edit | edit source]

Postoperative care includes:

  • Pain management with medications.
  • Physical therapy to restore joint function and mobility.
  • Monitoring for signs of infection or complications.
  • Gradual return to normal activities as advised by the healthcare provider.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Potential complications of arthrotomy include:

See also[edit | edit source]

Related Pages[edit | edit source]

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD