Arthoscopic Powered Instruments: The Present and Future of Surgical Arthroscopy
Surgical arthroscopy is a procedure performed by orthopedic surgeons. It can be performed in an outpatient setting. Arthroscopic surgery is the method of diagnosing, visualizing and treating joint problems. Nowadays, arthroscopic surgeries are done with the aid of arthroscopic powered instruments.
An arthroscope, by the way, is a fiber optic instrument used in checking the joints internally. An incision is made in the patient’s skin, about half an inch in diameter. Then a sterile sodium chloride solution will be injected to expand or swell the joint.
The arthroscope has a lighting system and a lens that captures internal images and transmits them to a television monitor. This procedure allows the orthopedic surgeon to determine the type and amount of injury, repair the problem or aid a biopsy specimen extraction.
Arthroscopic surgery can be utilized in treating tears and removing floating cartilage debris. When surgery is finished, the arthroscope is removed and the joint will be irrigated. The incision site is bandaged and the patient will be prepped prior to going home.
Additional arthroscopic instruments are used in major repairs. These instruments are used in cutting, removing and sewing damaged tissues or joints.
Arthroscopic instruments come in manual and powered versions. But these days, the use of powered hand tools is more favorable due to the ease in preparation, actual process and healing. Both orthopedic surgeon and patient can benefit from the use of powered instruments.
There are many competing companies that promise the full benefit of using arthroscopic powered instruments. Some companies develop specific line of instruments that cater to specific surgery needs.
There are software-based powered instruments in the market that promise user-friendly advantages as well as topnotch performance that benefit the patient and the institution.
- The shaver line of instruments is composed of arthroscopic powered instruments that offer aggressive tissue re-section and swift bone debridement. These instruments are normally software-based and offer ease of use and quality performance.
- Enhanced meniscus repair instruments with colored bio-absorbable material set the latest trend in its line of products. These instruments allow orthopedic surgeons to better visualize and implant, as well as, offer insertion precision. Some manufacturers have even brought this line of products to the next level by upgrading the features such as one-handed insertion pistol that provides steady feedback during implant insertion.
- Powered instruments used for soft tissue ablation have also evolved. Some companies have upgraded the tips for numerous indications. Specific company designs are now available and these allow ablation to take place at low power settings.
- Integrated power instruments have also been developed. These instruments are capable of operating large bone drills and saws to arthroscopic saws.
Foot pedals and switches are also out in the market. These gadgets operate hand-held instruments. These gadgets are programmable and have versatile functions. There are also wireless foot pedals and switches to choose from.
Innovations in arthroscopic surgery
Arthroscopic surgery has never been better with the availability of instruments and gadgets. Manual instruments have served years of service but they are not constructed for digital conversion unlike powered instruments. Complementary gadgets as well as other instruments are almost always necessary during an arthroscopic surgery.
Digital cameras, displays, fluid management apparatuses and endoscopes can be integrated with powered instruments to enhance the procedures as well as data collection during procedure.
Individual acquisition of instruments and equipment has always been the practice. But it is much simpler to request a manufacturer to custom-made digital equipment that will suit the needs of the institution.
Demand-driven technology
The rise of arthroscopic surgery has brought about ideas and possibilities in the realm of high tech instrumentation. Millions of dollars are predicted to come from arthroscopic powered instruments in the near future because of the demands for better surgical procedures involving tissue and joint repairs.
Another reason for the rise is the growing number of sports injuries. Many athletes have suffered from multiple injuries due to over-worked muscle tissues and joints. Normally, it takes months or even years to heal and rehabilitate an injury caused by strenuous and sports-related activities.
Counting on science to help diagnose, repair and heal torn tissues and joints have been very successful in the past decades. But with the application of modern technology, the usual practices are altered or upgraded by a more systematic and almost automatic approach to arthroscopic surgery.
The future of arthroscopic powered instruments is promising. With the demands coming from medical professionals and patients, particularly athletes, the need for morehigh tech powered instruments to assist a swift and non-invasive procedure is a goal to fulfill in the future.