Arthroscopic Surgery (Keyhole Joint Surgery)

Arthroscopy involves visualizing the inside of a joint with a camera inserted through incisions of about half a centimeter, and treating it in the same session with specialized instruments. Compared with open surgery, it causes less tissue damage and less pain, carries a lower risk of infection, and allows a much faster recovery.

Arthroscopic surgery, one of Op. Dr. Mustafa Akyüz's primary areas of interest, is most commonly performed on the knee and shoulder joints. Most patients are discharged on the day of surgery or the following day and begin controlled movement early in the recovery period.

Main Conditions Treated with Arthroscopy

Knee Arthroscopy

Repair or partial removal of meniscus tears
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
Microfracture and cartilage procedures for cartilage injuries
Removal of loose bodies within the joint
Plica syndrome and synovial problems

Shoulder Arthroscopy

Repair of rotator cuff (shoulder tendon) tears
Bankart repair for recurrent shoulder dislocation
Subacromial decompression for shoulder impingement syndrome
Biceps tendon problems and SLAP lesions
Capsular release for frozen shoulder

How Does the Surgical Process Work?

Arthroscopic procedures generally take 30-90 minutes under regional or general anesthesia. Because the structures inside the joint are viewed magnified on camera, the diagnosis is also confirmed in the same session. Since the incisions are small, the scars are nearly invisible in most patients.

Advantages

Millimeter-sized incisions, minimal tissue damage
Discharge the same day or the following day
Less pain, less blood loss
Early rehabilitation and a quick return to work
Diagnosis and treatment in a single session

The Recovery Period

Although it varies with the procedure performed, return to daily life is planned within 1-2 weeks after simple meniscus procedures, while a full return to sport after ligament reconstruction is planned at 8-12 months. Adherence to the rehabilitation program is at least as important to the success of the surgery as the operation itself.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is arthroscopy safer than open surgery?

Because the incisions in arthroscopy are very small, tissue damage, infection risk, and pain are markedly lower than with open surgery. However, like any technique, it delivers the best results in the right patient with the right indication.

Does arthroscopy require a hospital stay?

Most arthroscopic procedures are performed on an outpatient basis; patients are discharged the same day or the following morning. For more extensive procedures such as ligament reconstruction, an overnight stay for observation may be recommended.

When can I walk after the surgery?

After simple meniscus procedures, patients usually begin walking the same day with crutch support. In repair and reconstruction procedures, weight-bearing is increased gradually to protect the healing tissue.

Can arthroscopy fix osteoarthritis?

The role of arthroscopy in advanced osteoarthritis is limited. However, clearing tears and loose bodies that cause mechanical catching can provide relief in selected patients. Injections and regenerative methods are also considered in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

The information on this page is for general informational purposes only; it does not replace an examination or diagnosis. Treatment decisions can only be made after evaluation by a physician.

Arthroscopic Treatments