Arthroscopy Specialist

Coastal Empire Orthopedics Our Services Arthroscopy

Coastal Empire Orthopedics

Orthopedic Surgeons & Sports Medicine located in Savannah, GA

If you have a problem with one of your joints, you may be a candidate for arthroscopy, which can be used to visualize, diagnose, and treat the issue. At Coastal Empire Orthopedics, Dr. Jonathan Shults may recommend arthroscopic surgery for conditions at any joint, including the hands, wrist, knee, and shoulder. If you live in Savannah, Georgia, or the surrounding area and believe you could benefit from arthroscopy, call the office or book a consult online.

Arthroscopy Q & A

What is arthroscopy?

During arthroscopy, Dr. Shults makes an incision in your skin and inserts tiny instruments equipped with a small lens and lighting to provide an image of the structures inside the joint. The camera magnifies the images to a video screen so the doctor can see details at the interior of the joint without having to make a large incision.

Issues within the joint that are magnified for the doctors include cartilage damage, ligament or tendon tears, and issues that may be present in areas — such as under the kneecap — that are hard to see with imaging tests. Arthroscopy then allows Dr. Shults to evaluate your injury and determine the treatment necessary to offer repair.

Although arthroscopy is still a surgical procedure that requires anesthesia, it’s less invasive than conventional open surgery. As a result, you heal faster and have fewer risks of complications, such as infection.

What types of issues require arthroscopy?

The doctors at Coastal Empire Orthopedics may recommend arthroscopy following a physical exam of a painful joint. Arthroscopy assists other diagnostic tools such as X-ray, MRI, and physical exam. Arthroscopy can be more accurate than imaging tests.

Issues that can be diagnosed with arthroscopy include:

  • Extreme inflammation of the lining of the knee, elbow, shoulder, wrist, or ankle
  • Rotator cuff tendon tears, shoulder impingement, or repeated shoulder dislocation
  • Meniscus tears of the knee, wearing away of knee cartilage, or anterior cruciate ligament tears


Arthroscopy can also evaluate and treat some issues associated with arthritis.

What should I expect during recovery from arthroscopic surgery?

You usually go home the same day as your arthroscopic procedure. The incisions will take several days to heal, but you can usually go back to work or school just a few days following the procedure.

The Coastal Empire Orthopedics team gives you a comprehensive post-surgery care plan. You may be able to resume athletic activity within a few weeks, but that depends on the area operated upon and your diagnosis. It does take time for your joints to recover completely from arthroscopy.

To learn more about arthroscopy as a diagnostic and treatment procedure, call Coastal Empire Orthopedics or book an appointment online.

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