• Device Development & Feasibility Testing
    Image courtesy: jnjmedicaldevices.com
  • Medical Innovation Strategies
    Dr. Thal as visiting surgeon at Yonsei University
    Medical Center Seoul, Korea
Raymond Thal,MD - Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Meet
Raymond Thal, MD

Orthopaedic Surgeon
& Medical Innovator

Dr. Thal is an orthopaedic surgeon, sub-specializing in sports medicine & arthroscopic surgery.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure during which the internal structure of a joint is examined for diagnosis and treatment of problems inside the joint. In arthroscopic examination, a small incision is made in the patient’s skin through which pencil-sized instruments that have a small lens and lighting system (arthroscope) are passed. Arthroscope magnifies and illuminates the structures of the joint with the light that is transmitted through fiber optics. It is attached to a television camera and the interior of the joint is seen on the television monitor.

Arthroscopic examination of joints is helpful in diagnosis and treatment of the following conditions:

  • Inflammation: Synovitis, the inflammation of the lining of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, or ankle
  • Acute or chronic injury: Injuries to the shoulder, knee and wrist joint such as cartilage tears, tendon tears, carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by cartilage loss in a joint
  • Removal of loose bodies of bone or cartilage that becomes logged within the joint

During arthroscopic surgery, either a general, spinal or local anesthesia will be given depending on the condition. A small incision of the size of a buttonhole is made through which the arthroscope is inserted. Other accessory incisions will be made through which specially designed instruments are inserted. After the procedure is completed arthroscope is removed and incisions are closed. You may be instructed about the incision care, activities to be avoided and exercises to be performed for faster recovery.

Some of the possible complications after arthroscopy include infection, phlebitis (clotting of blood in vein), excessive swelling, bleeding, blood vessel or nerve damage and instrument breakage.

Recovery

It may take several weeks for the puncture wounds to heal and the joint to recover completely. A rehabilitation program may be advised for a speedy recovery of normal joint function. You can resume normal activities within a few days.

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
  • Arthroscopy Association of North America
  • Washington Football Team
  • The American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine
  • Washington Sports Medicine Institute
  • OrthoBethesda
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