Panama Medical Vacations

Meeting Your Arthroscopic Surgery Needs in Panama

Arthroscopic Ankle

Arthroscopic surgery is a method of viewing or performing surgery on a joint by use of an arthroscope, which consists of a tube, a lens, and a light source utilizing fiber optics to visualize the surgical area. In Panama, as elsewhere, arthroscopic surgery is used to look inside of an ailing joint to understand the cause of your symptoms.

If you are having problems with your shoulder, for example, your surgeon may use arthroscopic surgery to look at the tendons and Rotator Cuff for damage. If the symptoms are in your knee or ankle, your surgeon may be using arthroscopic surgery to discover tears in cartilages or ligaments. In addition, he or she might be looking for pieces of bone or indications of arthritis.

Prior to Surgery

Any necessary precautions prior to surgery will be outlined for you in the treatment plan. If you require pre-op therapy, you will receive the proper instructions. If you are a smoker, you may be asked to stop for a time prior to your surgery. You might also be asked to refrain from using vitamin E (in large does), aspirin or anti-inflammatory medicines since they can lead to increased bleeding during surgery.

The Procedure

The arthroscope inserts into an opening about the size of a pen and uses a fiber optic camera. The Surgeon will insert the arthroscope through one or two tiny cuts around your injured ankle. He or she uses it to look inside the joint and assess the exact problem, looking at the entire structure: ligaments, tendons and cartilage. This procedure can be used to find bone fragments and arthritis as well. After the surgery, the incisions will be closed with tapes or sutures. After this procedure, your surgeon will discuss with you any further procedures you may need. For your surgeon in Panama, arthroscopic ankle surgery is the best way to get a direct view of the inside of this joint and of the supporting it.

After your surgery

After the surgeon completes your arthroscopic ankle surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be gently brought out of sedation. This is typically a restful period as you awake from your anesthetic. You may be given crutches so that you can walk comfortably when you leave the hospital. Once you have finished in recovery, you will be allowed to leave the hospital and travel to your home or hotel room because your Panama arthroscopic ankle surgery is complete! Now it’s time to enjoy some of the pleasures and delights that Panama has to offer while you rest and recover.

Risks

As with any type of surgery there are risks involved, but an arthroscopic procedure is generally very safe.