Doctors prefer surgery if you have a joint injury or any serious problem. There are different approaches to the surgery. They are arthroscopy and traditional surgery. Both techniques are quite different from each other. But both surgeries are done to treat joint problems. Arthroscopy surgery is an advanced one and is less invasive. The surgeon makes a very small cut and inserts a camera into it. This is to observe the interior of the body. Traditional surgery makes larger openings to access the inner parts. Therefore, patients require a longer recovery period. Only the surgeon can help in deciding which surgery is suitable for the patient, depending on the problem.
Arthroscopy Surgery
Arthroscopy is an advanced technique for treating joints. It is also called “keyhole surgery”. Because surgeons make only small cuts less than 5mm near the affected joint during this procedure. The surgeon then inserts a slender tube into the joint. A miniature camera is attached to the end of this tube. They can also view everything inside the joint on a screen outside the patient’s body and observe what is happening inside the joint.
Recovery from arthroscopy is generally much less painful than from open surgery. Most patients can return home from the hospital on the same day. With arthroscopic surgery, recovery is remarkably rapid as compared to older techniques.
What is Traditional Surgery?
In traditional surgery, the incisions are much larger. Another difference is the way the surgeon treats the joint. First, he makes a long incision and widely opens the area of interest. The large opening helps the surgeon see and treat the problem.
But this bigger incision means longer healing times for the body. The patients are in the hospital for days. Full recovery takes weeks, sometimes even months.
Differences between Arthroscopy and Conventional Surgery
1. Size of the Cut
Arthroscopic cuts are very small, typically 5-10 mm wide. The cuts are just large enough to allow the surgeon to insert the camera and instruments. Such small cuts result in less injury to the skin and muscles. A traditional surgery, on the other hand, requires a much bigger cut. This cut can be up to several inches. This huge opening will benefit the surgeon during surgery. This operation will damage more body tissues.
2. Recovery
You will recover more quickly with arthroscopy. People often get up and walk within hours after the operation. Most people get back to light activity in 1-2 weeks. Traditional surgeries require longer recovery periods.. Full recovery often takes 6-12 weeks; some major procedures may take longer. It also depends on each person’s own healing time.
3. Pain and Scarring
Arthroscopy surgery causes less pain. Because the cuts are so small, surgeons do not disturb many nerve endings. You may only need basic pain relievers for a couple of days. Scars become hardly visible when healed. Conventional surgery is usually much more painful. Larger wounds affect more nerves and tissues. The patients often require stronger pain medications. It will show as a scar, but more often it fades over time.
4. Infection Risks
Arthroscopy does have an infection risk. Those small cuts don’t let germs enter. Traditional surgery carries a slightly greater infection risk of about 2-5%. The bigger wound had larger opportunities for bacteria to infiltrate. There are quite many ways doctors use to prevent infections during any of the surgeries.
5. Choosing the Right Approach for Joint Problems
Doctors use arthroscopy for specific joint problems, mainly conditions like rotator cuff tears or loose cartilage. This technique works best when joints only need minor repairs. On the contrary, traditional surgery is for more serious problems relating to joints, such as arthritis, fractures, and joint replacement.
6. Cost
Arthroscopy surgery is less expensive than open surgery. That is because it doesn’t require a long hospital stay. The patient goes home the same day. Traditional surgery involves more cost. In most cases, patients will stay longer than two days. The time spent in the operating room is longer. However, do not let cost solely determine your treatment. Some diseases can only be treated with conventional surgery.
7. Success Rates and Lasting Results
Surgeons have achieved success with arthroscopy and traditional methods. Specific injuries, such as cartilage tears, are managed very well through arthroscopy. Patients can return to full movement within a few weeks. The results often last for many years. Many patients benefit from traditional surgery. It gives very good long-term results for severe joint injuries, such as 15-20 years for a knee replacement. Observing the full benefits may take more time. Understand that no form of surgery can prevent the usual aging of joints. Both surgical procedures are aimed at reducing pain and improving functionality.
Making the Best Decision
Your doctor will advise on the best option from both surgeries, depending on your condition. It would also depend on your exact injury, health, and lifestyle. Surgeons cannot solve every issue with arthroscopy. Conventional surgery is still required in many situations. Both procedures have their importance and uses.
Final Wrap
Both arthroscopy and traditional surgery serve the same purpose. Both are fixing joint problems. They just happen to do it differently. They are mere instruments in the toolbox of your doctor. Picking the right instrument depends on what exactly is broken in your joint.
Arthroscopy surgery is great when the doctors have to fix just a little. You heal faster, feel less pain, and get back to your life faster. Surgeons just need to open up and see some major joint problems. There comes traditional surgery. This method is usually the only way to properly repair a joint that is extensively damaged or requires a total replacement.
It is indeed a bigger operation, and recovery time is longer. But sometimes this is the only option that is beneficial for you.
The most important thing is to use the correct approach. It depends on your particular problem. A good orthopedic surgeon will investigate further about your particular case before giving you a recommendation. He will assess your joint problem, your age, overall health, and, lastly, your lifestyle.
Don’t hesitate to ask which approach is better for you. Discuss your situation thoroughly with your surgeon. Knowing the general advantages and drawbacks will give you confidence about your treatment.
