Orthopedic arthroscopic surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to treat a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. During the operation, a surgeon inserts a small, flexible instrument with a camera on the end through a tiny incision. The specialist may also insert other small instruments through the incision, using video provided by the camera to direct the surgery.

Compared to traditional, open surgery, arthroscopic surgery offers:

• Shorter recovery time
• Fewer complications
• Less scarring

Types of arthroscopic surgery

At Aurora, we specialize in minimally invasive surgery for nearly all types of joints and orthopedic injuries. Arthroscopic surgery available at Aurora includes:

• Treatments for hip pain
• Treatments for knee pain, including ACL surgery
• Treatments for foot pain and ankle pain
• Treatments for elbow, wrist and hand pain
• Shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff surgery

Arthroscopic surgery at Aurora

We are the largest health care provider in Wisconsin, performing thousands of successful joint procedures every year. People choose us for minimally invasive surgery because we provide:

• Superior results: Research shows that the more procedures a hospital performs, the better the patient outcomes. Because of the volume of surgeries we complete and our reputation for quality, many people also come to us to correct previous surgeries.
• Surgical expertise: Our highly trained team includes a large number of orthopedic surgeons covering a wide range of specialties. The size of our team allows for a high degree of specialization among surgeons, so you’ll work with doctors who are experts in treating your specific condition.
• Seamless surgical care: Our surgeons, physical therapists, primary care doctors and integrative care specialists (including chiropractors and acupuncturists) work together to support your health. As one of the largest health systems in the state, we offer a full spectrum of specialists to help you before, during and after your arthroscopic surgery.
• Convenient arthroscopic surgery and physical therapy: We have 15 hospitals throughout the state, with the largest number of physical and occupational therapists in Wisconsin. We also have athletic training programs to help you improve your performance safely after a surgical procedure. Our wide geographic coverage means you can get the care you need close to home.

Find out more about orthopedic medicine and orthopedic surgery at Aurora.

Preparing for arthroscopic surgery

Depending on the arthroscopic surgery, your doctor will provide medication beforehand to either numb the area or make you feel sleepy. You may need to avoid eating the day of your surgery. Your surgeon may also ask you not to take certain medications that increase your risk of bleeding.

Your doctor will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your arthroscopic surgery, taking the time to answer any questions you may have.

During the arthroscopy

Your surgeon will place a thin, flexible instrument called a scope through an incision roughly the size of a buttonhole. The scope has a camera attached, allowing the specialist to see inside your joint and direct the arthroscopic surgery via video monitor.

Arthroscopic surgery can take up to 2 hours, after which you spend a few hours recovering in the hospital before going home.

Recovery & physical therapy

Your doctor will prescribe medication for pain and swelling after your arthroscopic surgery. You will also receive instructions on how to care for your joint with ice and protective slings or bandages.

Most people are usually up and walking within a week and back to normal activities within about a month. Your surgeon will likely recommend physical therapy to help you regain function and strength in your joint.

Learn more about orthopedic physical therapy at Aurora.