Pediatric arthroscopic surgery (arthroscopy)

What is pediatric arthroscopic surgery (arthroscopy)?

Arthroscopic surgery is a less invasive surgical technique to treat problems inside children’s joints, including knees, hips, shoulders, elbows and ankles. During the procedure, your child’s physician inserts an arthroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a small camera attached) through tiny incisions in the joint, along with special instruments. The physician can visualize, evaluate and treat the problem during the same visit.

What are the benefits of pediatric arthroscopic surgery (arthroscopy)?

Benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Faster recovery
• Less pain after surgery (in most cases)
• Smaller incisions
• Earlier return to normal activities such as sports
• Shorter hospital stay
• Decreased infection risk

What can I expect with pediatric arthroscopic surgery (arthroscopy) treatment?

Before the procedure, you and your child meet with the surgeon to learn how arthroscopy works and what to expect after surgery. The team will answer any questions you may have.

Arthroscopy involves several steps:

• A pediatric orthopaedic subspecialist gives medication to help your child fall asleep.
• The surgeon makes tiny incisions in your child’s affected joint to gain access inside.
• The surgeon inserts an arthroscope (a thin, lighted tube with a small camera attached) and other special instruments to examine the joint.
• Using this equipment, the surgeon can visualize, evaluate and treat your child’s injury.
• After closing the incision, the procedure is complete.
• The surgery lasts 60 to 90 minutes.
• Your child recovers in our post-op recovery room. Here, nurse specialists experienced in caring for pediatric orthopaedic patients provide around-the-clock monitoring.
• In most cases, children are able to go home the same day.
• After surgery, your surgeon and our in-house physical therapists (PT) work together to design a comprehensive rehabilitation plan for your child.