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What is Arthroscopy?
The term arthroscopy basically means
to look into the joint. Arthro means
joint, and scopy means look. So the
common phrase "scope the joint" means
to insert an arthroscope into the
joint and have a look. Before the
development of the arthroscope, surgeons
would have to cut into a joint in
order to take a look. Over the past
several years, the development of
very small video cameras and specialized
instruments have allowed surgeons
to do more than simply take a look
into the joint.
Arthroscopy is now used
to:
- Evaluate the
extent of arthritis
- Remove damaged
cartilage
- Evaluate and
repair ligament injuries
- Remove scar
tissue and bone fragments
How is the Arthroscope
Used?
Using the arthroscope to assist with
joint surgery usually involves making
smaller incisions into the joint than
those made in a regular open-incision
surgery. Once the arthroscope is inserted
into the joint, it is used first to
try to see the problem. In this way,
the problem can be confirmed before
making any large incisions and causing
any damage unnecessarily. The arthroscope
is now used in the examination and
surgical treatment of the knee, ankle,
shoulder, hip and other joints.
What is a Sports
Injury?
Soft-tissue injuries and muscle tears
occur frequently in sports. A large
proportion of these injuries are minor,
where the tissues remain intact. Improved
diagnostic techniques such as MRI,
CT scans and arthroscopy are now used
in the diagnosis of sports injuries.
A minor sports injury
is considered to be one that results
in only three lost working days, and
this accounts for approximately 50%
of injuries. However, the number of
moderate and severe sports injuries
has increased. This can be explained
by an increased willingness to take
risks, increased performance mentality,
and increased degree of danger in
certain sports.
What types of treatments
are used for Sports Injuries?
Many non-surgical treatment approaches
are used in sports medicine to reduce
the symptoms of injury and promote
healing. A splint may be suggested
initially to protect and rest the
injured limb. Anti-inflammatory drugs
are often used together with therapy
treatments such as ultrasound, cold
packs, or electrical stimulation.
A series of exercises are suggested
to help tissues move safely while
healing. Conservative treatment is
indicated for most minor sports injuries.
Some sports injuries
require surgical treatment. If there
is a structural problem, such as a
pinched nerve or severely ruptured
tendon, surgery may be indicated.
Surgery is generally accepted as the
treatment of choice for anterior cruciate
ligament (ACL) injuries in athletes.
The use of an arthroscope when performing
surgery on torn muscle tissue and
ligaments has allowed many athletes
to return early to sports. Arthroscopic
reconstruction using tendon-bone grafts
is also used.
Can Sports Injuries
be prevented?
Helping athletes understand how to
prepare for their sport in order to
avoid serious injury is an essential
part of sports medicine. Muscles,
tendons and joints require balancing
and conditioning for optimal performance.
An important role for the sports medicine
practitioner is to improve the benefit
to risk ratio associated with physical
activity and sport. Injury prevention
strategies are initiated during consultations
when treatment is being sought. Exercises
are carefully planned and directed
to avoid further injury and to accelerate
the recovery process.
Here are some examples
of sports injury prevention best practices:
- Conditioning
to avoid injury
- Sport-specific
strengthening programs
- Nutritional
evaluation and counseling
- Evaluation
of injury risk factors
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