4 Painful Conditions that Arthroscopic Surgery Treats

At his orthopedic practice in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California, board-certified surgeon Hansel E. Ihn, MD, offers arthroscopic surgery as a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat joint conditions with less downtime and faster recovery.

Arthroscopic surgery is an outpatient procedure that involves making small incisions and using a fiber-optic camera to guide specialized instruments in the joint. Recovery is typically faster than traditional open surgery, making it a preferred option for many patients.

Arthroscopic surgery benefits and applications

People often choose arthroscopic surgery because it offers several advantages over traditional open procedures, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less postoperative pain
• Lower risk of infection
• Faster recovery times
• Earlier return to daily activities and physical therapy
• Outpatient procedure with same-day discharge

These benefits make arthroscopy an excellent choice for patients seeking effective treatment with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

Here are four painful conditions Dr. Ihn often treats with arthroscopic surgery:

1. Rotator cuff tears

Rotator cuff tears can cause deep shoulder pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or rotating the arm. These injuries often result from overuse, trauma, or age-related degeneration. 

During arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Ihn repairs the torn tendon, removes inflamed tissue, and smooths rough areas that contribute to pain. Because the procedure uses small incisions, patients typically experience less scarring and a shorter recovery time.

2. Meniscus injuries

The meniscus is cartilage that cushions your knee joint. A torn meniscus can lead to swelling, stiffness, and knee pain, especially when twisting or bearing weight. 

Arthroscopy enables Dr. Ihn to trim or repair the torn cartilage, depending on the injury's location and severity. This helps relieve symptoms, restore joint movement, and prevent further damage.

3. ACL tears

A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common sports-related knee injuries. It can make the knee feel unstable and may limit physical activity. Arthroscopic techniques allow Dr. Ihn to reconstruct the torn ligament using a tendon graft, all while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues. 

If you receive arthroscopic surgery for an ACL tear, you can expect a detailed rehabilitation plan to regain strength and mobility.

4. Hip impingement

Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when abnormal bone shapes cause friction in the hip joint. This can lead to hip pain with movement, stiffness, and eventual cartilage damage if left untreated. 

With arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Ihn removes excess bone and repairs damaged cartilage, allowing for smoother motion and lasting pain relief.

What to expect during arthroscopy recovery

Recovery time depends on the specific condition treated, your age, and your overall health. Most people can begin gentle movement exercises within a few days, with physical therapy starting shortly after. 

For more complex procedures, such as ACL reconstruction, rehabilitation may continue for several months. Dr. Ihn will provide you with a personalized recovery plan to ensure the best possible outcome.

Arthroscopy in Rancho Mirage and Palm Springs, California

If joint pain limits your movement or keeps you from doing what you love, arthroscopic surgery may be the solution. Contact Hansel E. Ihn, MD, in Rancho Mirage or Palm Springs, California, to schedule a consultation and learn whether this minimally invasive approach is right for you.