Arthroscopy

An Arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgery which is used for the diagnosis and treatment of joint problems.

Arthroscopy is mainly used for the treatment of shoulders, elbows, hands and wrists. It is predominantly a same day case procedure, meaning that most patients will be out of hospital in one day with no overnight stay necessary.

• Why Arthroscopy?

  Arthroscopy is ideal for those who have problems such as stiffness and swelling, and need a medical diagnosis. It is considered to one of the safest forms of surgery, with the risk of serious complications at less than 1%.

  Arthroscopy can also be used to treat a variety of joint problems, such as:

  • Frozen shoulder
  • Damaged cartilage
  • Fragments of loose cartilage or bone
• How is it performed?

  In the operation, done under general or epidural anaesthetic you can expect to experience the following:

  • A small incision will be made and the arthroscope will be inserted through this hole.
  • The arthroscope is a small, metal tube with a cluster of fibre optics which acts as both a light and a camera.
  • During the arthroscopy, small surgical equipment can be passed down the tube in order to operate.
  • The consultant may choose to make alternative incisions in order to insert additional instruments
• Wrightington Hospital

  We are currently number one in the region for orthopaedic surgery and undertake approximately 1000 procedures per month.
  
  We are able to offer exceptional clinical outcomes when compared to other providers using the National Joint Registry data.
  
  We have the Lowest Infection Rates of any NHS Hospital in the UK.
  
  We have one of the Lowest Readmission Rates in the North West.