Our Summary

This research paper is thanking the Arthroscopy Association of North America Education Foundation for their support and announcing the annual awards for the best research in various categories that were published in 2020. Additionally, they are highlighting the most downloaded and most referenced papers that were published five years ago. They are also introducing new members of their editorial team and updating any possible conflicts of interest among their editors.

FAQs

  1. What is the purpose of the annual awards announced by the Arthroscopy Association of North America Education Foundation?
  2. How does the association determine the most downloaded and most referenced papers?
  3. Why is it important for the Arthroscopy Association of North America Education Foundation to update any possible conflicts of interest among their editors?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing arthroscopy to follow their post-operative care instructions carefully, including keeping the surgical site clean and dry, taking prescribed medications as directed, attending follow-up appointments, and participating in physical therapy as recommended. It’s important to communicate any unusual symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended arthroscopy are those who have joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited range of motion that has not responded to conservative treatment such as rest, physical therapy, and medication. Common conditions that may benefit from arthroscopy include meniscus tears, ligament tears (such as in the ACL or PCL), cartilage damage, loose bodies in the joint, and joint inflammation. Arthroscopy is often recommended for patients who have not achieved satisfactory improvement in their symptoms through non-surgical methods and who would benefit from a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat their joint problems.

Timeline

  1. Before arthroscopy:
  • Patient experiences joint pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to diagnose the problem.
  • Patient may try conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medications before considering arthroscopy.
  1. During arthroscopy:
  • Patient is given anesthesia to numb the area or put them to sleep.
  • Surgeon makes small incisions around the joint and inserts a small camera and instruments to repair or remove damaged tissue.
  • Procedure typically lasts 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the issue.
  1. After arthroscopy:
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint for a few days.
  • Physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and mobility in the joint.
  • Full recovery can take several weeks to months, depending on the extent of the procedure and individual healing.

Overall, arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows for quicker recovery and less scarring compared to traditional open surgery. It is often recommended for conditions such as meniscus tears, ligament injuries, and cartilage damage in the joints.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the purpose of the arthroscopy procedure?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with arthroscopy?
  3. How long is the recovery time after arthroscopy?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?
  5. How many arthroscopy procedures have you performed in the past?
  6. What are the expected outcomes of the arthroscopy procedure?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments to arthroscopy that I should consider?
  8. Will I need physical therapy after the arthroscopy procedure?
  9. How long do the effects of arthroscopy typically last?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the arthroscopy procedure to improve my recovery and outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Brand JC, Rossi MJ, Lubowitz JH. Journal: Arthroscopy. 2021 Jan;37(1):1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.arthro.2020.11.020. PMID: 33384071