Arthroscopy in Singapore

Arthroscopy (Arthroscopic or Keyhole Surgery) in Singapore

Table of Contents

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure orthopaedic surgeons use to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint.

The word arthroscopy comes from two Greek words, “arthro” (joint) and “skopein” (to look). The term literally means “to look within the joint.”

In an arthroscopic examination, an orthopaedic surgeon makes a small incision in the patient’s skin and then inserts pencil-sized instruments that contain a small lens and lighting system to magnify and illuminate the structures inside the joint. Light is transmitted through fiber optics to the end of the arthroscope that is inserted into the joint.

Arthroscopy (also called arthroscopic surgery) is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which an examination and sometimes treatment of damage of the interior of a joint is performed using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision. Arthroscopic procedures can be performed either to evaluate or to treat many orthopedic conditions including torn floating cartilage, torn surface cartilage, ACL reconstruction, and trimming damaged cartilage.

Benefit of Arthroscopy

The advantage of arthroscopy over traditional open surgery is that the joint does not have to be opened up fully. Instead, for knee arthroscopy for example, only two small incisions are made — one for the arthroscope and one for the surgical instruments to be used in the knee cavity to fully remove the knee cap. This reduces recovery time and may increase the rate of surgical success due to less trauma to the connective tissue. It is especially useful for professional athletes, who frequently injure knee joints and require fast healing time. There is also less scarring, because of the smaller incisions. Irrigation fluid is used to distend the joint and make a surgical space. Sometimes this fluid leaks into the surrounding soft tissue causing extravasation and edema.

The surgical instruments used are smaller than traditional instruments. Surgeons view the joint area on a video monitor, and can diagnose and repair torn joint tissue, such as ligaments and menisci or cartilage. It is technically possible to do an arthroscopic examination of almost every joint in the human body. The joints that are most commonly examined and treated by arthroscopy are the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, ankle, foot, and hip.

How is Arthroscopy Performed?

Arthroscopic surgery, although much easier in terms of recovery than “open” surgery, still requires the use of anesthetics and the special equipment in a hospital operating room or outpatient surgical suite. You will be given a general, spinal, or a local anesthetic, depending on the joint or suspected problem.

A small incision (about the size of a buttonhole) will be made to insert the arthroscope. Several other incisions may be made to see other parts of the joint or insert other instruments.

When indicated, corrective surgery is performed with specially designed instruments that are inserted into the joint through accessory incisions. Initially, arthroscopy was simply a diagnostic tool for planning standard open surgery. With development of better instrumentation and surgical techniques, many conditions can be treated arthroscopically.

Recovery Time after Arthroscopy

The small puncture wounds take several days to recover. The operative dressing can usually be removed the morning after surgery and adhesive strips can be applied to cover the small healing incisions.

Although the puncture wounds are small and pain in the joint that underwent arthroscopy is minimal, it takes several weeks for the joint to maximally recover. A specific activity and rehabilitation program may be suggested to speed your recovery time and protect future joint function.

It is not unusual for patients to go back to work or school or resume daily activities within a few days. Athletes and others who are in good physical condition may in some cases return to athletic activities within a few weeks. Remember, though, that people who have arthroscopy can have many different diagnoses and preexisting conditions, so each patient’s arthroscopic surgery is unique to that person. Recovery time will reflect that individuality.

Arthroscopy FAQ

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure utilised by doctors to examine, diagnose, and address internal joint issues. This outpatient surgery allows patients to return home on the same day.
Arthroscopy is a highly effective surgery for both diagnosing and treating joint problems. A trained surgeon inserts a tiny tube fitted with a fiber-optic video camera via a small incision, generally as small as a buttonhole, during this minimally invasive surgery. The surgeon receives a clear image of the joint's interior, which is subsequently transferred to a high-definition video monitor for extensive examination and analysis.
An MRI test is useful in determining if you have a meniscus tear or any other related injuries, providing valuable information for treatment decisions. In contrast, arthroscopy not only identifies a meniscus tear but also enables simultaneous treatment. Additionally, it allows for the identification of any additional injuries you may have.
If you have sustained injuries or damage to your meniscus, cartilage, tendons, or ligaments, your healthcare provider may suggest an arthroscopic procedure as a potential treatment. Arthroscopy could be considered if nonsurgical treatments, such as braces or splints, have not provided sufficient relief.

If you would like an appointment / review with our arthroscopy specialist in Singapore, the best way is to call +65 6664 8135 or click here to book an appointment at the clinic. If you would like to speak to one of our clinicians first e.g. about acl reconstruction surgery, ankle arthroscopy, knee arthroscopy, keyhole surgery etc, then please contact feedback2@bone.com.sg or SMS/WhatsApp to +65 6664 8135.

Rest assured that the best possible care will be provided for you.

Make an Appointment Button

× Chat with us for more information