Arthroscopic Surgery
In cases where surgery is necessary, arthroscopy is the orthopedic gold standard. Dr. Mochizuki specializes in arthroscopy, a minimally-invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. It is often performed to confirm a diagnosis made after a physical examination and other imaging tests such as MRI, CT Scan or X-rays.
During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the problem area, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail.
Because it is minimally invasive, arthroscopy offers patients many benefits over traditional surgery:
- No cutting of muscles or tendons
- Less bleeding during surgery
- Less scarring
- Smaller incisions
- Faster recovery and return to regular activities
- Faster and more comfortable rehabilitation
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Trauma or overuse can cause the shoulder's soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles and cartilage) to stretch or tear to the point where they can no longer provide the necessary support. A feeling of "looseness" may develop and the shoulder may "pop out" with some activities such as work, sports, or sleep.
Shoulder arthroscopy is performed under sterile conditions following an injection of a local anesthetic into the joint and/or general anesthesia.
A small incision is made to introduce a cannula with tubing attached. This tubing is connected to bags of saline used to irrigate and fill the joint space for better viewing. It also distends the joint space, allowing for easier passage of instruments. A second small incision is made to insert the arthroscope, which is attached to a camera and light source. These, in turn are attached to a video monitor to view and record the findings. Pictures may be taken and saved for later reference. A third incision may be made to introduce instruments for repair and to correct injuries. They may also correct tears and remove loose bodies.
Information about the Shoulder on Eorthopod.com
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Elbow Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a type of surgery that uses an arthroscope (thin fiber optic camera) to visualize the area to be operated on, as well as multiple small portals through which the surgeon's tools are manipulated. This procedure offers patients a relatively shorter recovery time as opposed to conventional "open" surgery. Much less soft tissue is injured during the operation, leaving less room for post-surgery complications.
Elbow arthroscopy is generally used for simple manipulations of the joint. For instance, a patient with a compound fracture may have multiple fragments of the bone removed through arthroscopic surgery, but a replacement prosthetic most likely would not fit through a portal. It is also very useful for arthritis, as tools capable of debriding can be inserted and used to smooth out the problematic bone surfaces in a minimally invasive manner.
The arthroscopic procedures are commonly used to confirm and examine abnormalities occurring in patients. This diagnostic use is helpful in ensuring that the patient will be recovering in the shortest amount of time possible.
However, arthroscopy is not nearly as prevalent in elbow surgery as it is in other joint specialties such as the knee. This is because the small structure of the joint requires very specialized training so the surgeon does not disturb the multiple nerves crossing the joint. This forms an inherent risk in any procedure in the elbow, but more so in arthroscopy due to its nature of camera insertion.
Information about the Elbow on Eorthopod.com
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Wrist Arthroscopy
Wrist arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that can be used to both diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions affecting the wrist joint. The wrist is made up of eight small bones, along with ligaments, tendons and other tissues that can become damaged as a result of degeneration, trauma, disease and other factors.
During the procedure, your surgeon will make several tiny incisions in the wrist, into which a thin tube called an arthroscope and small surgical instruments are inserted. The tube is connected to a camera that displays images of the wrist's internal structure on a computer screen, allowing your surgeon to precisely identify and target any abnormalities within the joint.
Depending on what is found during the diagnostic procedure, your surgeon may choose to treat the condition at the same time. Wrist arthroscopy can be used to remove inflamed areas, repair fractures, remove ganglion cysts and repair torn ligaments or tendons.
After surgery, patients should keep the wrist elevated and bandaged for several days in order to reduce the risk of pain and swelling and to promote proper healing. Patients will experience significantly less bleeding, less scarring and shorter recovery times with the arthroscopy procedure than they would with traditional open surgery.
Information about the Wrist on Eorthopod.com
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Knee Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to examine tissues inside the knee. It is often performed to confirm a diagnosis made after a physical examination and other imaging tests such as MRI, CT or X-rays.
During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the knee, allowing Dr. Mochizuki to examine the joint in great detail.
For some patients, it is then possible to treat the problem using a few additional instruments inserted through small incisions around the joint. Sports injuries are often repairable with arthroscopy. Knee injuries that are frequently treated using arthroscopic techniques include meniscal tears, mild arthritis, loose bone or cartilage, ACL and PCL tears, synovitis (swelling of the joint lining) and patellar (knee cap) misalignment.
Anterior cruciate ligament tears, chondral injuries and meniscal tears that can not be treated with rest, physical therapy and medication can usually be treated by arthroscopic surgery techniques. Arthroscopic knee surgery provides a more rapid, less painful and more complete rehabilitation from sports injuries than from traditional open surgical procedures.
Information about the Knee on Eorthopod.com
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Testimonial
"As a family physician I have referred patients to Dr. Mochizuki over the last 20 years with consistently good reports from my patients on his excellent care and exceptional surgical skills and results.
I was further impressed when due to an unfortunate accident I needed orthopedic repair of a ruptured tendon. The results of my surgery have again enforced my endorsement of the orthopedic skills of Dr. Mochizuki."
Brenton R. Smith, M.D., FAAFP
"Dr. Mochizuki has performed procedures on myself as well as on my own mother and my son. The results in each case were outstanding, and I would highly recommend Dr. Mochizuki to anyone with no reservations. He is a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon who has his patients health and well being as his highest priority, and his skills as an orthopedic surgeon are unparalleled."
Lenny Spivak, M.D., FICS, FACS
"A wonderful person and an outstanding orthopedic surgeon. I couldn't have had better results from my shoulder surgery. I have and will continue to recommend you to my family and friends."
Stephen Davis, M.D.
As a health care provider I knew of Dr. Mochizuki's good reputation, so I chose him to do my Achilles tendon repair. Good choice! Not only did I have an excellent surgeon, but also a caring and compassionate person caring for me. His is a busy office, but I am always seen in a timely manner. And, he takes his time with each patient. It is such a pleasure to be always be seen by the physician. I would refer any of my friends and family to him.
Nancy Henson, R.N.
