Arthroscopy – Fixed Fee Package
As part of our portfolio of rehabilitation services, Curian Medical offer fixed surgical procedures at over 100 venues throughout the country. One of the most common procedures co-ordinated is an Arthroscopy.
What is an Arthroscopy?
An arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery used both to diagnose and treat problems with joints. The procedure is most commonly used on the knees, ankles, shoulders, elbows and wrist.
An arthroscopy can be used to help diagnose un-explained joint pain, joint stiffness, swelling of the joint or the joint giving way at certain times or ‘popping’ out of position.
Curian Medical co-ordinate initial tests for these types of problems and this usually involves the use of imaging studies such as X-rays, computerised tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. If these tests don’t find anything it may be necessary to take a direct look at the inside of the joint, an Arthroscopy.
What happens during an arthroscopy?
A piece of equipment called an arthroscope is used during an arthroscopy. An arthroscope is a small, metal tube and inside is a bundle of fibre optics which act as both a light source and a camera.
Images are sent from the arthroscope to a video screen or an eyepiece so that the surgeon is able to see the joint. It is also possible for tiny surgical instruments to be passed through an arthroscope to allow the surgeon to treat certain conditions. The arthroscope is inserted into a small incision next to the joint. More small incisions may also be made to allow an examining probe or surgical instruments to be inserted. This means it has some advantages over traditional, “open” surgery, including:
- less pain after the operation
- faster healing time
- lower risk of infection
- you can often go home the same day
- you may be able to return to normal activities more quickly
An arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic. In some cases, however, a spinal or local anaesthetic is used. If you have a local anaesthetic, your joint will be numbed so you don’t feel any pain. You may still feel some sensations during the procedure, such as a slight tugging, as the surgeon works on the joint. An arthroscopy is usually performed as a day case procedure, which means the person being treated is able to go home on the same day as the surgery.
How long it takes to recover from an arthroscopy depends on the joint involved and the specific procedure you had. You can rest assured however that Curian Medical we will advise you of the aftercare included in your fixed fee package. With access to an extensive network of venues and experts, Curian Medical are able to co-ordinate this procedure within a timely and cost effective way.
To learn more about our nationwide surgical and further treatments service please do give us a call.
