There are a variety of procedures that can be conducted using arthroscopic techniques. Arthroscopy uses a few small incisions to insert a small camera attached to a scope, called an arthroscope, which captures images of internal tissues and transmits the images back to large monitors in the operating room. This provides surgeons a complete view of the body's tissues without having to make large open incisions; because of this, these procedures are considered minimally invasive. Arthroscopy can be used to diagnose and treat orthopedic conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and ankle.

This procedure is used to "clean" unnecessary tissue, like flaps of cartilage, fibrous tissue, scar tissue, or bone chips out of a joint. If an injury heals by producing an excess amount of scar tissue that inhibits the ability to move, or causes pain, a surgeon can use an arthroscope to help them remove the scar tissue without having to re-open the entire injury site. Surgeons can also remove loose bodies, like bone chips, which can come loose during a fracture or other trauma using arthroscopic tools to avoid open surgery.

Joints are located throughout the body at the ends of two or more bones. Joints connect these bones with tendons, ligaments, and cartilage to enable the body to move. Joints can be damaged by wear from age or overuse, or by the various forms of arthritis. Joints that are severely damaged may need to be replaced to enable the patient to sustain their ability to move. The shoulder, hip, and knee joints are most commonly replaced.

Tendons and ligaments, called connective tissues, are made of collagen fibers that provide strength and stability to a joint. Torn or damaged tendons and ligaments can be repaired surgically. A surgeon can use sutures to connect the ends of torn connective tissues. When the tissue is too damaged and cannot be repaired with sutures a graft may be used to replace the injured tendon or ligament.

To surgically repair difficult fractures there are a variety of different mechanisms that can be employed by a surgeon to provide internal stability. Plates are often used on long bones to secure the ends of a fracture and ensure that the bone will re-grow back together. Screws and rods are often implemented to repair bones that are a part of a joint.

This treatment uses an external device placed over the injured limb that is held in place by screws that are affixed to the bone to hold the bones in place and provide stability to the injury site. These devices are used when internal surgery is not an option, or when the patient has other injuries that need treatment before the orthopaedic injuries are addressed.

Unloader braces are used to reduce the amount of pressure or stress that is enacted on the damaged part of a joint. Most braces of this type are used with patients who are not ready to undergo surgery due to extenuating factors, or who have recently undergone surgery and require extra support. These braces provide stability when moving and can be used for walking, standing, or during physical therapy exercises. Most unloader braces are hinged to provide the best support by distributing the force placed on a joint.

Tendonitis occurs due to overuse of tendons, connective tissue made of collagen fibers. Acute tendonitis can occur when use of the tendon is rapidly increased over a short period of time. This type of tendonitis normally fades with rest, but can become chronic tendonitis if untreated. Chronic tendonitis can be caused by increased activity, lowered recovery time between exertion, new footwear, or weakened muscles.

Symptoms

• Pain increasing over time
• Pain at the beginning of exercise but disappearing slowly during the activity
• Injured area is tender to touch

Treatment

• Rest and apply ice to injury
• Anti-inflammatory medication if necessary
• Sports massage or ultrasound
• Physical Therapy

Bursae are small fluid-filled sac-like structures that allow tendons to glide over bones or under the skin to facilitate movement. These structures provide a low-friction surface for tendons to move without getting irritated. Bursitis occurs when the bursa is irritated due to trauma, overuse, infection, or systemic disorders like arthritis.

Symptoms

• Affected area may be red or warm
• End-range of motion will be restricted moderately
• Tenderness at the location of the injury

Treatment

• Rest and protection following the injury
• Draining of the bursa by a physician if necessary
• Cortisone injection to limit inflammation and create a permanent solution to the injury if necessary
• Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed if necessary
• Surgery if the bursitis does not respond to other treatment options

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) occurs when there is pressure on the median nerve at the wrist. This nerve passes through a tunnel created by the bones and ligaments of the wrist, known as the carpal tunnel. When the median nerve is pinched in this tunnel, you can feel pain, weakness, numbness, or tingling, particularly in the thumb and index finger.

Symptoms

• Burning, tingling, and numbness in the palm of the hand and fingers
• Decreased grip strength
• Decreased sensitivity to hot and cold

Treatment

• Rest and ice
• Immobilization of the wrist
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Cortisone injections when necessary
• Surgery to cut the ligament that forms the roof of the carpal tunnel

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL), Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL), Lateral Cruciate Ligament (LCL), and Medial Cruciate Ligament (MCL) hold the knee joint together. Any of these ligaments can be damaged or torn, causing pain and instability in the knee. These injuries, which are common in athletes, occur most often due to excess force on the knee joint.

Symptoms

• A loud pop in the knee at the time of injury
• Swelling of the knee immediately after sustaining the injury
• Restriction of movement in the knee joint
• Extensive amounts of pain after the injury occurs

Treatment

• Basic first aid to stabilize the knee and reduce swelling
• Physical rehabilitation program
• Reconstructive surgery
• Arthoroscopic surgery

A herniated disc involves the bulging of a spinal disc due to compression or a rupture. The bulging disc pinches the spinal nerves causing pain. This irritation can be caused gradually or by instances of trauma or heavy impact, most prevalent in American football.

Symptoms

• Weak feeling muscles
• Tingling and Numbness in limbs
• Shock pain, or electric shock

Treatment

• Rest and ice
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Oral steroids when necessary
• Epidural (cortisone) injections when necessary
• Stretching exercises
• Surgery only after several months with no progress

A sprain is caused by the stretching or tearing of ligaments the tissue that attaches bone to bone. A strain occurs when muscles or tendons are stretched or torn. Tendons are the fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bone. Sprains or strains occur throughout the body, but tend to be prevalent near joints.

Symptoms

• Swelling and Bruising
• Pain in effected area
• Tenderness in or around effected area
• Numbness
• Not capable or difficulty with weight bearing activities

Treatment

• R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints that causes pain and restricts movement. Arthritis is caused by the breakdown of cartilage that normally protects the joint facilitating smooth movement. Without cartilage bones rub together which creates inflammation, pain, and stiffness. There are a variety of different types of arthritis but some common causes are autoimmune disease, broken bones, age related wear and tear, and infection.

Symptoms

• Pain
• Joint swelling
• Reduced ability to move the joint
• Redness of the skin
• Stiffness

Treatment

• Low-impact aerobic activity
• Range of motion exercises for flexibility
• Strength training for muscle tone
• Avoid placing extra stress on your affected joints
• Modify your home to make activities easier
• Medications
• Surgery

Fractures can occur for a number of reasons related to trauma to the bone. Traumatic injuries, including those sustained during falls, car accidents, or fights, can cause bone to break.

Symptoms

• Sharp, intense pain
• Popping, or snapping sounds
• Swelling and inflammation near or around injury location
• A visible, unnatural bend in a bone

Treatment

• Casting or bracing
• Surgery
• Locking plate technology

Plantar Fasciitis is the inflammation of a band of tissue that connects the heel bone to the toes. Inflammation originates from tightening of the Plantar Fascia, which will tear instead of flexing as the foot moves. Complications with the knees, hip, or back are common because inflammation changes the athletes walking motion, stressing other joints. Pain is common after exercise, when getting out of bed, or after rising from periods of inactivity.

Symptoms

• Sharp pain in heel or foot
• Heightened pain after waking
• Pain after sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time

Treatment

• Rest & Ice
• Keep weight off the foot until the pain and inflammation subsides
• Avoiding running, jumping, or walking without any support or cushioning
• Use of Orthotics
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Stretching exercise

Rotator cuff injuries are caused by overuse of overhead arm movements, and can be quite painful. Aching pain occurs when arms are used over the head or directly to the side of the body.

Symptoms

• Pain associated with arm movement especially overhead arm movement
• Pain in shoulder when slept on at night
• Tenderness over general area

Treatment

• Rest and ice are very important
• Anti-inflammatory medication when necessary
• Continuous movement of the arm with rest periods to avoid reduction of mobility

Symptoms of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear

• Often occurs on dominant side
• Weakness throughout range of motion
• Eventual loss of mobility

Treatment of Chronic Rotator Cuff Tear

• Rest and Ice
• Steroid injection when necessary
• Shoulder exercises prescribed by physician
• Physical Therapy

Symptoms of Acute Tear

• Sudden tearing feeling in shoulder
• Radiating pain down arm
• Limited mobility
• Tenderness in specific area of the Rotator Cuff
• Unable to lift arm out to side

Treatment of Acute Tear

• Ice to reduce swelling
• Medications when necessary
• Surgery to repair tendons and ligaments
• Resting of arm in sling if necessary