Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure with many benefits, such as diagnostic accuracy, shorter surgery, less risk of infection, and shorter recovery. This all-in-one procedure is one of the most significant medical advances of the past century.
Diagnostic Accuracy
Real-time data on the joint can be diagnosed with great accuracy. Arthroscopic surgery picks up tiny tears in ligaments allowing surgeons to see between layers of tissues as opposed to X-rays and MRIs.
Shorter Surgery
Arthroscopic surgery generally takes an hour depending on the severity of the joint damage. Small incisions means that there is less risk of blood loss and clots during the surgery.
Less Risk of Infection
Whenever a surgeon cuts into a patient’s skin, the risk of infection is always a probability. The deeper the cut, the higher the risk. Since arthroscopy uses smaller incisions, the risk of infection is severely reduced.
Shorter Recovery
The minimally invasive nature of arthroscopic surgery means that patients can go home quicker and begin their recovery process almost immediately. Patients are generally back on their feet within a matter of days.
What is Arthroscopic Surgery?
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used by orthopaedic surgeons to investigate, diagnose and treat joint problems. The procedure is recommended if you have severe inflammation in a joint, sustained an injury or if the joint shows signs of damage over a prolonged period of time. The procedure can be performed on any troubled joint including hips, knees, shoulders, elbows, ankles and wrists.
Arthroscopic surgery involves the use of a tool referred to as an arthroscope inserted into the joint through small incisions. This process allows your orthopaedic surgeon to see the severity of the degraded joint and allows the surgeon to repair the injury at the same time as required. Patients are generally discharged on the same day, however, in the event of a ligament reconstruction, patients may be required to stay a bit longer to fully recover.
Surgeons are able to remove loose bodies, meniscectomies, repair of joint surfaces and ligament reconstruction with arthroscopic surgery. In cases such as severe degeneration, your doctor may recommend joint replacement surgery at a later stage.
Patient Resources
View Patient’s FAQs
Arthoscopic Guide
Total Knee Replacement Guide
Total Hip Replacement Guide
Other Orthopaedic Services
Hip Replacement Surgery
Knee Replacement Surgery
Additional Services
What to expect during recovery?
Preparing for your surgery is just as important as post-operative care. It is important to not have any open wounds, scabs or scratches in the joint area before your surgery. You should not consume any solids or liquids 6 hours prior to surgery as this allows the anaesthesia to work faster into your system.
Show More
Once the surgery is complete and your dressings reapplied, you will be discharged with a prescription for anti-inflammatory medication and a rehabilitation programme to help speed recovery. Full recovery takes approximately 4 – 6 weeks, depending on the joint. If you are still feeling pain and discomfort after the recovery period, make a follow-up appointment as soon as possible or contact our after-hours emergency number on 083 252 4315.
You are discouraged to drive in the first 12 hours following your operation. Please arrange for someone to assist you with the ride home after you have been discharged.
Our Patient’s FAQs
The most common questions about arthroscopic surgery answered by Dr. Allan Van Zyl.
Are there any complications to arthroscopic surgery?
Complications after arthroscopic surgery are extremely rare, but not impossible. Problems can include bleeding, infection and thrombosis. The results of arthroscopic surgery depend on the primary problem. In cases of severe joint degeneration, the results can be disappointing or short lived and joint replacement surgery may be necessary at a later date.
Will I need to use crutches?
In most cases you will be able to bear full weight on the knee directly following surgery. In a small percentage of cases the use of crutches will be necessary for a day or two.
Will there be scarring?
Postoperative scarring is minimal and can take anywhere between a week to several months to fully heal. This depends on a number of factors such as the joint affected. Knee arthroscopic surgery for instance takes longer to heal than a procedure on the wrist.
What are the symptoms I should be weary of?
Call your doctor if you are experiencing fever, pain that gets worse, severe swelling, numbness or tingling, discolored or smelly fluids seeping from the wound.
Additional Surgery Procedures
As a qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. van Zyl assists patients with the following surgical procedures.
Established In
Joint Replacements
Publications
treated patients
Get in Touch with the Orthodoc
Make an appointment with Dr. Allan van Zyl with our online booking platform or contact the admin team for more information about our procedures.