An arthroscopic finger joint replacement removes damaged cartilage and bone in the finger and replaces it with parts made of plastic, metal, or ceramic for durability. This procedure is performed with a minimally invasive method that utilizes an arthroscope (a narrow tube with a video camera on its end) inserted through small incisions in order to guide the surgeon through the procedure.
Also Known As:
- Arthroscopic arthroplasty of the finger joint
- Minimally invasive finger joint arthroplasty
- Minimally invasive finger joint replacement
- Finger arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic surgery
Conditions Treated with Arthroscopic Finger Joint Replacement:
Arthroscopic finger joint replacement is utilized in order to treat finger pain, finger arthritis and finger injury.
Non-surgical alternatives to arthroscopic finger joint replacement include pain medication, anti-inflammatory steroid injections and physical therapy. Finger joint replacement and finger fusion are surgical alternatives.
Anesthesia with Arthroscopic Finger Joint Replacement:
Arthroscopic finger joint replacement can be performed under general anesthesia, which means that the patient is asleep and completely unaware during the procedure. Local or regional anesthesia can also be used.
Potential Complications from Arthroscopic Finger Joint Replacement:
Possible risks following arthroscopic finger joint replacement include infection, bleeding and a negative reaction to the anesthesia. It is also possible to experience incorrect positioning and dislocation of the artificial joint, and no improvement in finger mobility.
Prognosis after Arthroscopic Finger Joint Replacement:
The prognosis for a positive end result following arthroscopic finger joint replacement is good.