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S U P P L E M E N T T O O U T P AT I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E O N L I N E | A U G U S T 2 0 1 4
and, in turn, improved
surgeons' abilities to
maneuver in and
around joints. The
advent and widespread
adoption of exquisitely
good HD scopes and
monitors allow unparal-
leled opportunities to
diagnose and treat.
Surgeons can also
capture the images they
see, recording still pho-
tos and videos digitally
with the press of a button at the base of the scope. Physicians use that ability
toward a range of different purposes. For my part, I'm most often using cap-
tured images to document the injury that existed and to demonstrate what was
accomplished by the conclusion of the case. This is a useful reference not only
for the patient's chart, but also for the physical therapist who's managing the
patient's rehabilitation. It's important for them to see the pathology they're
working with, but cartilage, ligaments and tendons aren't highly visible through
radiographic images.
Tools and action
It cannot be overstated how revolutionary arthroscopic tools have been to joint
surgery. The development of arthroscopic instruments that, like the scope, gain
access to the joint through small incisions allows for a rapid transition from
diagnosis of the condition to treatment and repair. Arthroscopic shavers debride
torn and damaged tissue and arthroscopic burs mill down the bone spurs caus-
ing irritation. Tools that integrate suction ability can capture and remove the
M I N I M A L L Y I N V A S I V E S U R G E R Y
SHOULDER
THE LOAD
Patrick
M. Connor, MD,
performs
a shoulder repair surgery at
OrthoCarolina in Charlotte, N.C.
OrthoCarolina
