Arthroplasty vs Arthroscopy

Arthroplasty and arthroscopy are common treatment modalities for orthopaedic conditions.

What is arthroplasty?

Arthroplasty is a surgical procedure to replace or reconstruct a damaged joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis) made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. Your doctor may replace the whole joint (total joint replacement) or only the damaged portion of the joint (partial joint replacement).

It commonly involves the hip and knee joints. It may less commonly involve the ankle, elbow, or shoulder joints.

Arthroplasty is recommended when other treatment options, such as medications and physiotherapy, have not provided relief of symptoms.

The number of years a joint replacement lasts depends on many factors, including their lifestyle. A small percentage of people with replacement joints are at risk of developing an infection. Find out more about preventive measures to help mitigate the risk of prosthetic joint infection.

What is arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a type of keyhole surgical procedure that is used to diagnose and treat joint problems. It is commonly done for knee joints but can also be used for the ankle, hip, wrist, elbow, and shoulder joints.

During the procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon will make several small incisions, and a tiny camera with light (an arthroscope) is inserted through the incisions to examine the inside of your joints. The images are presented on a screen, and an instrument is used to repair the joint if required.

Arthroscopy makes it possible for surgeons to diagnose and treat conditions such as ligament and meniscus tears in the knee, arthritis, rotator cuff tears, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

As the incisions made during arthroscopy are small, there may be a lower risk of infection with a faster healing time. Some may be able to return to normal activities more quickly.

Is arthroplasty the same as arthroscopy?

• Arthroplasty:` A surgical procedure to restore joint function by replacing a damaged, worn, or diseased joint.
• Arthroscopy: A procedure performed with an arthroscope to diagnose and treat joint conditions.

Book an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

To know more about arthroscopy and arthroplasty, speak to your doctor. A dedicated and expert team of Orthopaedic specialists at Pantai Hospital is available for consultation to provide the best care possible. We assure you that your health and well-being are our top priority.

At Pantai Hospitals, our rehabilitation team is ready to provide you with the highest level of care. Our experts understand that every patient is unique, so we tailor our treatment plans to meet your individual needs.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a medical emergency, head straight to the nearest Pantai Hospital Accident and Emergency (A&E) department for immediate medical attention. Remember, every second counts in emergency situations.

Pantai Hospital has been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.