Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery uses methods that cause little tissue damage and allow a faster recovery. At his offices in McKinney or Prosper, Texas, Jon Thompson, MD, assesses patients with severe or treatment-resistant musculoskeletal disorders who might benefit from an operation. A double board-certified orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert, Dr. Thompson specializes in arthroscopic surgery. He uses this surgical technique to repair tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and other structures. Call Jon Thompson, MD, today or book an appointment online to learn more about the benefits of arthroscopic surgery.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive approach used by Dr. Thompson to assess and treat joint disorders and injuries, including:

• Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder
• Shoulder impingement
• Meniscus (knee cartilage) tears
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist pain)
• Chondromalacia (articular cartilage damage)

An arthroscope is a slender, flexible tube with a camera and light on its tip. Dr. Thompson inserts the arthroscope into a small incision in the joint. The arthroscope’s camera sends magnified images of the joint to a monitor in the treatment room.

Dr. Thompson uses these images to examine the joint damage and guide his instruments during surgery.

Why would I need arthroscopic surgery?

Dr. Thompson might recommend arthroscopic surgery if you have joint pain or dysfunction that isn’t improving despite treatment.

Many patients with joint pain recover well with rest, bracing or splinting, physical therapy, and medication. Steroid injections into the joints help with more persistent pain.

If your joint pain doesn’t improve or you have damage that’s unlikely to heal without surgery, Dr. Thompson uses the arthroscopic approach whenever possible.

What are the advantages of arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery offers several significant advantages over traditional open surgery. The incisions Dr. Thompson makes for the arthroscopic instruments are tiny, unlike the large cut required for open surgery. This results in:

• Less bleeding
• Lower risk of infection
• Reduced pain after surgery
• Faster recovery
• Smaller scars

Arthroscopic surgery is often an outpatient procedure so you can go home the day of your surgery.

What happens during arthroscopic surgery?

The first stage of your arthroscopic surgery is an assessment of the damaged tissues. After inserting the arthroscope into your joint, Dr. Thompson moves it carefully to ensure he gets a clear view on his monitor.

After assessing the injury, he uses arthroscopic instruments to make repairs. These might include trimming damaged cartilage and bone spurs and reattaching or reconstructing torn tendons and ligaments.

When the surgery is complete, you spend time in the recovery area while your anesthetic wears off. Dr. Thompson will let you know how the surgery went and the next steps you’ll need to take. You can then go home, but you’ll need someone to drive you.

Call Jon Thompson, MD, today or book an appointment online to ensure you benefit from his expertise in arthroscopic surgery.