Arthroscopy - a kind of surgery that is used to diagnose and treat various diseases of the joints. The procedure is performed using an arthroscope - a long thin device with camera and lighting equipment at the end, similar to the endoscope.

Diagnostics

Arthroscopy may be used to diagnose a number of problems with joints, including:

• Joint pain of unknown origin;
• Joint stiffness;
• Swelling of joints;
• Limited range of motion of the joints.

Primarily for the diagnosis of these and other problems using methods of medical imaging such as X-ray, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If these methods are not able to establish the cause of the problems, it is necessary to search, looking inside the joint using arthroscopy.

Arthroscopy is also used to assess the degree of joint damage as a result of injury or disorders such as osteoarthritis and septic arthritis.

Treatment

Through the arthroscope into the joint, you can enter a variety of surgical instruments, arthroscopy so successfully used in the treatment of joints Treatment of joints - which method is most effective? . For example, it can be used to:

• Repair damaged cartilage, tendons and ligaments;
• Removal of small fragments of bone and cartilage;
• Output excess synovial fluid.

Disorders that can be treated by arthroscopy:

• Baker's cyst - a disorder in which the synovial fluid accumulates within the joint, which leads to swelling and reduced mobility;
• Adhesive capsulitis, or "frozen shoulder";
• Artrofibroz - excessive formation of scar tissue resulting from the previously transferred injury that leads to a reduction of functionality of the joint;
• Spurs - abnormal growths solid that can cause chronic pain;
• Synovitis - inflammation of the membrane of the joint.

The procedure

A few days before arthroscopy, the doctor will tell you in detail how to prepare for the procedure, as well as - as the recovery will take place. Typically, patients are asked not to eat or drink in the morning before surgery, and to refuse to accept certain drugs.

Arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anesthesia, although in some cases, for various reasons, can be used by local anesthesia.

As a rule, the entire procedure takes 30 to 40 minutes, although more complex operations can last about an hour.

The affected joint is treated with an antibacterial solution, after which the skin incision of several millimeters in length, which is introduced through an arthroscope. If necessary, make the next one or more incisions.

The surgeon may enter into a joint sterile liquid that will expand the joint and allow it to be better. A specialist can see the joint, looking directly into the arthroscope, or on the screen, which displays the camera image. After completion of the procedure, all excess fluid withdrawn from the joint. The incision was sutured to the skin, and joint perebintovyvayut.

Restoration

Most patients go home the day of surgery or the morning after her. Pre-patient talking to your doctor about the results of the procedure.

At 24-48 hours after surgery may experience side effects of general anesthesia as dizziness and fatigue. Slight or moderate (rarely - severe) pain in the joint as is the norm.

Taking a shower or bath, you should wrap the joint with polyethylene bandaged, not to wet the bandage. If it is still wet, replace it.

The period of recovery depends on the type of arthroscopic, general health, and other factors. As a rule, children return to classes at the school for a week after arthroscopy; adults can go back to work, on average, three weeks.

After about six weeks, the patient must undergo a medical examination, the physician could evaluate the results of the operation and, if necessary, with an additional treatment.

Complications

Arthroscopy - generally a safe procedure. Its most common complications such as swelling and stiffness in the joints, usually temporary.

More serious complications are less than one in a hundred cases. These include:

• Deep vein thrombosis - blood clots in the veins of the legs;
• Infection of the joint - a condition known as septic arthritis Arthritis - a variety of forms and complications , It causes fever, and joint pain and inflammation;
• Bleeding within the joint, often accompanied by severe pain and inflammation;
• Damage to nerves in the region of the joint, which can result in numbness and reduce sensitivity.

If you suspect that you are developing any complications of arthroscopy, immediately contact your doctor.

Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone; thanks to his toes during walking can go up and push off from the ground. Achilles tendon is the thickest and durable tendon in the human body.

When walking, the Achilles tendon can withstand load force at 3, 9 times greater than the pressure of the weight of the human body, while running - 7, 7 times. The length of the Achilles tendon is about 15 cm. The first written mention of the Achilles tendon refers to 1693 - at the same time it got its name, by the name of the character's famous Greek myth.

Disorders of the Achilles tendon

One of the most common diseases of the Achilles tendon is a tendinopathy. Strictly speaking, it includes two violations:

• Tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendons;
• Tendinosis - microscopic tissue ruptures a tendon, usually the result of overexertion. Terms tendinitis and tendinosis are often used interchangeably, but experts usually painless disease called tendinitis of the Achilles tendon, while one of the characteristic symptoms of a tendinous pain.
• Rupture of the Achilles tendon, complete or partial, is also a common problem. Partial tendon rupture sometimes causes no symptoms. When a complete break, a strong sharp pain and loss of mobility of the foot and lower leg.

Although it seems that the problems with the Achilles tendon occur suddenly, as a rule, they are the result of numerous invisible damage that occurs over time.

Causes of problems with the Achilles tendon

Most often suffer from Achilles tendon strain, and / or repetitive movements - during work or sports. For example, fast running, jumping, and sudden stops in sports can cause microdamages Achilles tendon. Microdamages tendon can also be the result of changes in the duration, intensity and / or frequency of workouts. If you are not in shape enough warmed up before exercise or uncomfortable wearing athletic shoes, it can also cause damage to the Achilles tendon. Middle-aged people are faced with this problem very often.

The most dangerous for the Achilles tendon are sports such as basketball, tennis (including table), badminton and football. Tendon rupture is especially likely if it is weakened by constant congestion and / or inflammation.

Symptoms of damage

The main symptoms of damage to the Achilles tendon are pain and swelling in the lower leg. Sometimes the pain occurs only when walking or running. When you break the tendon pain is so severe that the person can not step on the foot, the tendon is damaged.

Treatment

For minor problems with the Achilles tendon usually recommended time limit activity and perform stretching exercises Stretching exercises - Be careful . Pain and discomfort can be reduced by OTC drugs. Even with minor injuries Achilles tendon complete recovery may take several weeks or even months.

In case of serious damage, such as rupture of the tendon, the treatment can be used surgical techniques and / or the fixing device.

Prevention of injuries

To protect the Achilles tendon damage, it is necessary to maintain good physical shape, and each time for five to ten minutes to warm up before exercise. Comfortable sports shoes also helps reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. If you are unsure what kind of shoes is the most convenient for your training, consult a trainer or doctor.