We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Different Reasons to Perform a Arthrotomy?

By T. Carrier
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 16,126
Share

Joints are areas where bones meet in the body, and thus are an important focus of muscle and bone-based orthopedic medicine. In general terms, an arthrotomy — also called synosteotomy — occurs when an orthopedic physician makes an incision, or cut, into a joint. Two basic reasons exist for this procedure: inspection or treatment. A physician may need to see inside a joint so that he or she can diagnose joint pain or discomfort. Once a cause has been determined, the physician may also need to cut the joint open for surgical correction of the problem.

Joints that are broken, degenerated, or otherwise impaired can be discovered through an arthrotomy. One example of the procedure’s exploratory surgery capabilities rests in the ankle. The ankle contains two main joints. When an individual twists his or her ankle, one joint may be handle the sudden movement, but the other joint’s design is strained. Bones can thus become dislodged and connector muscles called ligaments torn. An arthrotomy can detect all of these potential problems.

This procedure is also used for orthopedic surgeries that correct joint injuries. In these cases, the physician must cut into the joint in order to repair its interior damage. Most treatment arthrotomies, however, are minimally invasive and typically do not require a prolonged hospital stay. Ligaments, connective tendons, and bone cartilage are some of the common areas worked upon in a corrective surgical procedure. Frequent areas for treatment include the knees, shoulders, elbows, wrists, and ankles.

Many activities can a joint incision procedure necessary. Injuries sustained during sports or other activities frequently lead to joint malfunctions. In addition, some inflammatory or repetitive strain conditions like arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome can cause joint damage.

One of the more severe reasons for arthrotomy is amputation, or the partial or complete removal of a body appendage such as an arm or leg. Since joints connect bones together, they are often the most logical place to sever one appendage from another. Likewise, a joint incision would likely be needed to attach a prosthesis — or artificial limb — to the remaining appendage as well.

An arthrotomy may have some drawbacks. The procedure usually requires stitches and large incisions that easily scar, and recovery may therefore be prolonged. The open exposure of the bones also makes complications more likely. For this reason, some experts advocate a more advanced exploratory technique known as arthroscopy, which can reduce the possibility of complications such as blood clots, bleeding, and swelling.

An arthroscopic procedure differs from an arthrotomy in that the former does not require cutting the joint open. During an arthroscopy, a device known as an arthroscope is inserted into the body. This long tube contains lenses and a camera, both features which are absent from arthrotomy tools. As the lenses magnify different parts of the joint for easier viewing, the camera helps transfer the images to a monitor within the surgical room.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-different-reasons-to-perform-a-arthrotomy.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.