Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a type of surgical procedure where the orthopedic surgeon uses a fiber-optic camera and small surgical tools to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems within a joint. The arthroscope lens transmits light through fiber-optics to the end of the scope to magnify and illuminate the different structures within the patient’s joint. The arthroscope is attached to a small television camera so the surgeon is able to see inside the patient’s joint through a small incision instead of using a more invasive large incision. The camera allows the surgeon to see the cartilage and ligaments in the joint and can assist the physician in determining the exact injury as well as repairing the injury as minimally invasive as possible. Corrective surgery is then performed using special instruments that are inserted into the joint through another small incision. However, there are occasions where the physician will discover that the injury cannot be best treated arthroscopically and they will have to perform an “open” procedure to repair the injury.

Conditions that can be treated arthroscopically: meniscus tear repairs, reconstruction of torn ACL, patellar injuries, knee sepsis, restoration of ankle cartilage damage, removal of bone spurs in ankle joint, removal of debris and scar tissue, treatment of posterior ankle pain, removal of inflamed synovial tissue, trimming damaged articular cartilage, removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage

Arthroscopic surgeries are much easier on the patient physically. The recovery time is much shorter than that of an open procedure. Most patients have little to no need for pain medications. The majority of patients are able to return to work, school, and other daily activities within a few days of surgery. It can still take multiple weeks of healing and physical therapy for the joint to be maximally recovered. Athletes and others that are in good physical health can return to their athletic activities within a few weeks of the procedure. It is important to remember that each procedure is specific to the patient and their injury, so recovery time will be unique to each patient.

About Dr. Bagwe

Dr. Mahesh Bagwe, a physician at Ortho Missouri, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, fellowship-trained in foot and ankle reconstruction. He also serves as a team physician for the St. Louis Cardinals. Dr. Bagwe’s primary area of interest is lower extremity disorders. His specialties include: Foot and Ankle Surgery; Arthroscopic Surgery; Cartilage Repairs; Ankle Joint Replacements; Foot & Ankle Injections; Reconstructive Surgery; General Orthopedic Surgery; Sports Medicine; and Knee Surgery. He has been widely recognized and sought after for his innovative procedures that help patients regain their mobility.

Nondiscrimination Notice

Dr. Bagwe is an Orthopedic Surgeon in St. Louis, Missouri | As a world class lower extremity specialist Dr. Bagwe treats disorders of the knee, foot and ankle which cause acute or chronic pain. With several locations in the St. Louis metro area, we offer solutions for Arthritis, Sprains and strains, Bursitis and tendonitis, Fractures, sports related injuries, work related injuries, stress fracture, Cubital tunnel syndrome, Knee ligament tear (ACL, PCL, MCL and LCL), Meniscal (cartilage) tear, Heel spurs, Plantar fasciitis, Shin splints, Hammer toe and other toe disorders, Achilles tendon problems, Bunions, and more.

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