Arthroscopy restores joint biomechanics and optimal functional efficiency.
Human joints are vulnerable to various disorders and pathological conditions, from minor discomfort to severe conditions that could significantly affect daily activities. If left untreated, these joint disorders may result in persistent pain and discomfort, potentially impacting nearby anatomical structures.
In this Special Scoop, we interview Dr. Sunikom Suppauksorn, an experienced orthopedic surgeon at the Orthopedic Center of MedPark Hospital, specializing in arthroscopic surgery. Dr. Sunikom will share valuable insights about the crucial role of joints and arthroscopic procedures.
Understanding arthroscopic surgery
“Specialists in this field are often nicknamed ligament repair doctors.”
Dr. Sunikom explained that arthroscopic surgery is a surgical approach for diagnosing and treating joint issues. During this procedure, the surgeon inserts a slender tube fitted with a fiber-optic video camera into the affected joint through a small incision, typically around 0.5–1 centimeter. High-definition images from the camera are displayed on a monitor, providing a clear view inside the joint.
“The surgeon can visualize the joint without making a large incision. This approach offers thorough details, allowing us to diagnose and, if necessary, repair damage in the same sitting, minimizing the need for multiple surgeries.”
Not all orthopedic surgeons receive training to perform this procedure.
Arthroscopic surgery falls within the subspecialty of sports medicine, where surgeons focus primarily on minimally invasive joint procedures. Mastering this technique requires specialized training, a significant learning curve, and extensive experience to develop the necessary skills.
What conditions can arthroscopic surgery treat?
Dr. Sunikom noted that the knee, shoulder, hip, elbow, wrist, and ankle are the most common joints that often require arthroscopic treatment.
Arthroscopy can effectively address various joint conditions, including adhesions, joint stiffness, cartilage damage due to injury, synovitis, ligament tears, posterior cruciate ligament tears, rotator cuff tears, and joint instability, such as labral tears in the shoulder.
“One limitation of arthroscopic intervention is that not all joint injuries are treatable with this method. In cases of advanced degeneration or significant cartilage wear, arthroscopy may not be suitable. Additionally, arthroscopy alone may not be sufficient if there are complex fractures, significant deformities, or extensive ligament tears. An open surgical approach may be required.”
At MedPark, our team of specialized orthopedic surgeons, including arthroscopic experts, offers comprehensive care for various joint conditions.
What are the advantages of arthroscopic surgery?
“A smaller incision, significantly less blood loss, postoperative swelling, and inflammation are the benefits. Minimizing trauma to the surrounding muscles and tissues promotes faster recovery, allowing patients to begin physical therapy sooner and expedite their return home. Most importantly, the risk of complications is less, as limited exposure to airborne pathogens reduces the likelihood of infection.”
And what are the benefits of this approach for the surgeon?
“Current arthroscopic cameras offer exceptionally high resolution, up to 4K, projecting remarkably sharp images onto high-definition monitors. This level of clarity allows surgeons to visualize intricate details far beyond what the naked eye can capture, especially in deep or difficult-to-reach areas within the joint. Even with an open incision, some areas remain hard to see directly, but the camera provides a clear view of these hidden spaces.”
Which professions or activities carry the highest risk of joint problems?
Unsurprisingly, athletes are among those most susceptible to joint injuries and issues. Different sports pose varying degrees of injury risk to the joints, each affecting them uniquely. To illustrate this, Dr. Sunikom provided several examples to offer a clearer picture.
“Knee joint issues are common among athletes in agility-demanding sports like football, volleyball, and basketball, which involve quick directional changes, jumping, and landing. Improper movement or misalignment during these activities can cause knee twists and elevate the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears.”
Additionally, athletes in sports like basketball and volleyball or any activity that involves frequent arm swings may also experience shoulder ligament injuries. Frequent jumping can also lead to ankle injuries.
Have you ever encountered patients concerned about not regaining their pre-surgical athletic performance?
“Yes, this concern is quite common. While arthroscopic surgery is renowned for its fast recovery, athletes often worry about whether they can fully regain their pre-injury level of performance. They are especially concerned about how long it will take to return to their pre-injury performance level in their sport, which depends on the severity of the injury.”
Tissues and surrounding structures require time to recover fully. Although returning to walking and everyday activities can occur relatively quickly, regaining peak athletic performance is a gradual process that takes time.
“Surgery is only the first step; comprehensive physical therapy is essential to regain optimal movement and restore strength and flexibility of muscles and ligaments. Adhering to the rehabilitation plan will lead to rewarding outcomes.”
When asked about the likelihood of athletes returning to peak performance after the treatment, Dr. Sunikom referred to a case of shoulder ligament repair:
“Following treatment, most patients recover approximately 90% of their functional capacity. However, patients need to remain committed to their physical therapy regimen. Full recovery usually takes 4 to 6 months, depending on individual circumstances.”
“Although arthroscopic surgery involves smaller incisions, the recovery time for the joint is not as fast as the incisions. The joint connects intricately to muscles and ligaments. Unlike a bone fracture, which typically heals and restores function when the bones rejoin, joint treatment requires comprehensive rehabilitation to reestablish proper coordination and regain full functionality.”
The expertise of an orthopedic surgeon is a crucial factor that can significantly influence the success of treatment and rehabilitation. When dealing with complex injuries, severe pain, or advanced degeneration, the intervention of a skilled and experienced physician is paramount. Additionally, collaboration with physical therapists is essential as their specialized knowledge and support ensure that the recovery process progresses smoothly, ultimately yielding optimal therapeutic outcomes.
Signs of joint problems: when to see an orthopedic specialist
From a patient perspective, many may not realize what is ailing their joints- joint stiffness, degeneration, or tendon inflammation. Dr. Sunikom recommends observing for symptoms that may indicate an underlying issue, signaling the need for a medical evaluation and diagnosis:
“If you experience sharp pain when moving a joint but feel no pain at rest, or if you feel pain when bearing weight or moving, along with swelling, stiffness, and warmth in the affected area—such as when one joint is noticeably warmer than the other—these may be signs of inflammation and indicate that there is a problem with the joint.”
