Arthroscopy effective in joint problems: Experts

Lucknow: If one is suffering from frequent dislocation of the shoulder joint, he should seek an opinion for arthroscopy which is a minimally invasive procedure to diagnose and treat joint problems, said experts at a cadaveric workshop on arthroscopy at King George's Medical University on Sunday.

Addressing the workshop, head of the sports medicine department, Professor Ashish Kumar said, "Arthroscopy is effective in many joint problems and recurrent dislocation of the shoulder joint is one.”

Dr Vivek Mahajan, Sports Injury Centre, Safdarjung explained that in arthroscopy a surgeon inserts a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision, about the size of a buttonhole. The view inside the joint is transmitted to a monitor. The procedure also allows surgeons to repair ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. It takes less time and the patient can return to work from the second day itself, he added.

Expressing similar views, another expert from Safdarjung Dr Devendra Singh said that arthroscopy is usually recommended for the working people and sportsmen who cannot afford losing even a single day. Earlier, many sports personalities had to give up sports after sustaining injuries. But now the situation has changed thanks to arthroscopy, he added.

In all, 22 doctors attended the workshop.