Incisionless Surgery (Needle Arthroscopy) at Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute

Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute is proud to offer the latest advancements in minimally invasive procedures, including Incisionless Surgery (Needle Arthroscopy). This innovative technique allows our orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists to diagnose and treat joint conditions using a needle-sized arthroscope, eliminating the need for traditional large incisions. Whether you are dealing with joint pain, injuries, or conditions affecting the knees, shoulders, or ankles, needle arthroscopy offers a highly effective solution with reduced recovery time, minimal scarring, and a faster return to daily activities.

What is Incisionless Surgery (Needle Arthroscopy)?

Incisionless Surgery, also known as needle arthroscopy, is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure allowing physicians to diagnose and treat joint problems using a tiny camera (arthroscope) and specialized instruments inserted through a needle-sized entry point. This procedure is performed under local anesthesia and involves no traditional surgical incisions, significantly reducing the risk of complications and recovery time for patients.

Unlike traditional arthroscopy, which involves making larger incisions to insert the camera and surgical tools, needle arthroscopy uses a minimal scope (approximately the size of a needle). This allows for direct visualization of the inside of the joint without the need for invasive surgery. It is commonly used to evaluate and treat joint conditions in the knees, shoulders, ankles, elbows, and wrists.

Needle arthroscopy offers several advantages over traditional surgical techniques, including:

• Faster Recovery: With no large incisions to heal, patients experience quicker recovery times.
• Minimal Scarring: The small size of the entry point minimizes visible scarring.
• Reduced Risk of Infection: The smaller incision size minimizes the risk of post-operative infection and other complications.
• Outpatient Procedure: Most needle arthroscopy procedures are performed outpatient, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Conditions Treated with Needle Arthroscopy

Needle arthroscopy is an ideal option for diagnosing and treating various joint conditions. Some of the most common conditions treated with incision-less surgery include:

• Meniscus Tears: Needle arthroscopy can assess and repair tears in the meniscus; the cartilage cushions the knee joint. This technique allows for a precise repair with minimal tissue disruption.
• Rotator Cuff Injuries: Patients with rotator cuff tears or other shoulder injuries can benefit from needle arthroscopy, allowing surgeons to visualize and treat damaged tendons without needing large incisions.
• Ligament Injuries: Ligament injuries, such as ACL or MCL tears in the knee, can be evaluated and repaired using needle arthroscopy, a less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
• Joint Inflammation (Synovitis): Inflammation of the synovial membrane (the lining of the joint) can cause pain and stiffness. Needle arthroscopy allows surgeons to remove inflamed tissue and relieve symptoms.
• Cartilage Damage: Needle arthroscopy can assess and treat damage to the cartilage within the joint, helping to preserve joint function and reduce pain.
• Loose Bodies in the Joint: Loose fragments of bone or cartilage can cause pain and restricted movement. Needle arthroscopy allows for the removal of these loose bodies with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues.
• Joint Degeneration and Arthritis: Patients with early-stage arthritis or joint degeneration may benefit from needle arthroscopy. This procedure can help diagnose the extent of cartilage loss and provide treatments like debridement to smooth out rough areas of the joint.

The Needle Arthroscopy Procedure

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, our highly skilled orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists perform needle arthroscopy. The procedure is typically completed in an outpatient setting, allowing patients to return home the same day.

Here’s what you can expect during the needle arthroscopy procedure:

1. Consultation and Diagnosis

Before the procedure, you will have a thorough consultation with one of our specialists to assess your symptoms, medical history, and diagnostic imaging results, such as X-rays or MRI scans. Needle arthroscopy is recommended for patients with joint pain, stiffness, or limited mobility that has not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications.

2. Preparation for the Procedure

On the day of the procedure, the treatment area (such as the knee, shoulder, or ankle) will be numbed using a local anesthetic. This ensures you remain comfortable throughout the procedure while avoiding the risks and side effects of general anesthesia.

3. Inserting the Arthroscope

Once the area is prepared, a tiny arthroscope (approximately a needle size) is inserted into the joint through a small entry. The arthroscope is equipped with a high-definition camera that provides a clear view of the inside of the joint, allowing the surgeon to diagnose any underlying issues.

4. Treatment

If a problem is identified during the diagnostic phase, the surgeon can use specialized tools inserted through the same small entry point to treat the condition. For example, torn cartilage can be trimmed, loose bodies can be removed, or inflamed tissue can be debrided.

5. Post-Procedure Care

After the procedure, the small entry point is covered with a bandage, and stitches are typically unnecessary. Patients can walk out of the clinic and return home shortly after the procedure. Recovery instructions will be provided to ensure a smooth healing process.

Benefits of Needle Arthroscopy

Needle arthroscopy offers numerous advantages for patients seeking a minimally invasive solution for joint problems. Some of the key benefits of this procedure include:

• Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional arthroscopic surgery, needle arthroscopy requires only a small entry point, eliminating the need for large incisions.
• Faster Recovery: Patients who undergo needle arthroscopy typically experience faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery, allowing them to return to their normal activities sooner.
• Reduced Pain: The more minor entry point and minimal tissue disruption result in less post-operative pain and discomfort.
• Lower Risk of Complications: There are no large incisions, so the risk of infection and other complications is significantly reduced.
• Accurate Diagnosis: Needle arthroscopy provides direct visualization of the inside of the joint, allowing for more precise diagnosis and targeted treatment.
• Outpatient Procedure: Most patients can return home the same day, making needle arthroscopy convenient for those with busy schedules.

Recovery After Needle Arthroscopy

The recovery process after needle arthroscopy is typically much quicker and easier than traditional open surgery. Since the procedure is minimally invasive, most patients can resume light activities within a few days and return to more strenuous activities within a few weeks, depending on the treated condition.

Here’s what to expect during the recovery phase:

• Immediate Post-Procedure: After the procedure, you will be able to walk out of the clinic without the need for crutches or a walker. You may experience mild soreness or swelling at the entry point, but this usually resolves within a few days.
• Activity Modification: While recovery is generally quick, avoiding high-impact activities or heavy lifting for the first few weeks is important. Your surgeon will provide specific instructions on when you can return to sports or exercise.
• Physical Therapy: In some cases, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion to the affected joint. Our specialists will work with you to develop a personalized rehabilitation plan tailored to your needs.
• Follow-Up Appointments: A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure the joint is healing properly. During this visit, your surgeon will assess your recovery and discuss any additional treatments or exercises that may be needed.

Who is a Candidate for Needle Arthroscopy?

Needle arthroscopy is an excellent option for patients who are experiencing joint pain or dysfunction that has not improved with conservative treatments. It is particularly beneficial for individuals seeking a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.

You may be a candidate for needle arthroscopy if you:

• Have persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that has not responded to physical therapy, medications, or other conservative treatments.
• Have been diagnosed with a joint condition such as a meniscus tear, rotator cuff injury, or cartilage damage.
• We are looking for a minimally invasive option that allows for a quicker recovery and less downtime compared to traditional surgery.
• Want to avoid the risks and complications of open surgery or general anesthesia?

During your Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute consultation, our specialists will assess your condition and determine whether needle arthroscopy is the right treatment option for you.

Why Choose Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute for Needle Arthroscopy?

At Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute, we are committed to providing the highest level of care using the most advanced, minimally invasive techniques. Our team of board-certified orthopedic surgeons and podiatrists is highly experienced in performing needle arthroscopy, ensuring that our patients receive the best possible outcomes with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Here’s why patients choose us for their incision-less surgery needs:

• Experienced Specialists: Our team includes leading orthopedic and podiatric care experts with extensive experience performing needle arthroscopy and other minimally invasive procedures.
• State-of-the-art technology: We use the latest arthroscopic technology and surgical tools to provide accurate diagnoses and effective treatments with minimal pain and downtime.
• Personalized Care: We take a patient-centered approach to care, tailoring each treatment plan to meet your unique needs and goals.
• Comprehensive Services: From diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation, we offer a full range of services to support your recovery and help you return to your active lifestyle.

If you’re experiencing joint pain or dysfunction and are looking for a minimally invasive treatment option, Motion Orthopedic & Podiatry Institute is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how needle arthroscopy can relieve your symptoms and restore mobility.