Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure in which a camera is inserted into a joint for diagnosis and/or treatment. It is a widespread standard of care for many conditions involving the body's joints. Arthroscopic surgery can be performed quickly with more accuracy and a lower rate of complications than traditional surgery requiring a large incision. Still, some patients will experience complications after arthroscopic surgery.
Fistula
Fistulas, a connection between the joint and the external skin, can occur after arthroscopic surgery. This can cause joint fluid leakage from inside the joint to the external skin surface, but it is quite uncommon, according to the text “DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine." Such a fistula is treated with immobilization of the affected joint and antibiotics to prevent joint infection. Treatment is often successful.
Infection
Infection is a risk of any surgical procedure and arthroscopy is no exception. Related infections can be superficial affecting just the skin or a deep infection of the joint. If infection of the joint is suspected, surgical removal of infected tissue is performed with antibiotic therapy to avoid loss of the joint.
Chronic Pain Syndrome
Damage can occur during surgery to the nerves or blood vessels that supply the affected joint. As a result, chronic pain syndromes can result from inflammation of the nerve. Treatment can be complicated by other factors such as psychological state of the patient, substance abuse and difficult diagnosis.
Paralysis
Paralysis can occur during arthroscopic surgery, usually the result of the tourniquet used during the procedure. The tourniquet is used to decrease the amount of blood flowing into the joint, making visualization of the joint during surgery easier. The tourniquet often exerts large amounts of pressure, however, and this pressure can affect nerves and blood vessels in the vicinity that supply the joint, according to the text “Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics." As a result, temporary weakness or reduction in mobility can occur immediately after the procedure. With time, this paralysis generally resolves.
Blood Clots
Blood clots can develop after almost any surgery, including arthroscopy procedures. They are especially common in orthopedic surgeries due to the temporary immobility that results after surgery. They can occur almost anywhere in the body, especially in the veins of the leg which can cause symptoms in the region of clot formation such as redness, swelling and pain. The clots can sometimes travel to the arteries supplying the lung and cause what is known as a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.
References
- “Campbell’s Operative Orthopaedics, 11th edition;” Canale & Beaty; 2007
- “DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Third Edition;” DeLee; 2009
