Arthroscopic Surgery Specialist

Arthroscopic surgery allows orthopedic surgeon Sevag Bastian, MD, in Glendale, California, to see inside your joint without making a large incision. Dr. Bastian performs arthroscopic surgery on the shoulder, knee, hip, and elbow, as a diagnostic tool, or to make repairs. If you need arthroscopic surgery, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery, also called arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows Dr. Bastian to visually examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. He performs arthroscopy on many joints, including the elbow, knee, hip, and shoulder. 

Why would I need arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery has diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Arthroscopy can help Dr. Bastian to diagnose the cause of joint pain if a physical exam, medical history review, and imaging tests don’t provide enough information. He may use arthroscopy to treat various acute or chronic injuries, including:

• Rotator cuff tears
• Shoulder labrum tears
• Shoulder impingement
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
• Meniscus tears
• Loose pieces of bone or cartilage in the knee, shoulder, or elbow

Dr. Bastian may also use arthroscopy to treat some problems associated with arthritis, such as inflammation in the joint lining (synovium) in the knee, shoulder, or elbow.

What does arthroscopic surgery entail?

First, Dr. Bastian performs a physical exam and reviews your medical history to make sure arthroscopic surgery is the best option for you. He typically performs arthroscopic surgery as an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital.

During arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Bastian inserts a pencil-thin, flexible camera called an arthroscope into a small incision in your joint. The camera projects magnified, illuminated images of the inside of your joint onto a monitor. 

If Dr. Bastian sees a problem, such as a torn ligament, he may use specialized surgical instruments to treat it through another small incision. Afterward, he closes your wounds with a couple of stitches or a bandage. 

What are the advantages of arthroscopic surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery uses much smaller incisions than traditional surgery, a fraction of an inch instead of several inches long. This means there’s less damage to healthy tissues like muscle and skin. Other benefits of arthroscopic surgery include:

• Less pain
• Less blood loss
• Faster and easier recovery
• Reduced risk of complications
• Minimal scarring

However, arthroscopic surgery still requires a period of recovery and rehabilitation. Dr. Bastian starts you on a physical therapy plan as soon as possible. He may also recommend using platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a regenerative medicine treatment that can speed up post-surgical recovery. 

For excellent care in arthroscopic surgery, call Sevag Bastian, MD, or book an appointment online today.