According to Thomas Knapp, MD, faculty member with the University of Southern California Sports Medicine Service and orthopedic surgeon with the Santa Monica Orthopedic Group, this technology has turned 23-hour holds into true outpatient procedures for properly selected patients. The primary advantage of the ligament shrinkage procedure is dramatically reduced operating and immediate post-op recovery time. Reportedly, approximately 20 percent of ACL injuries involve ligaments that are relatively intact and may be candidates for this procedure. This device allows the surgeon to apply a controlled level of radiofrequency energy to stretched or slightly torn ligaments via various styles of arthroscopic wands, and the energy effectively shrinks the ligaments by altering type 1 collagen.Ĭurrently, the most common application is capsular shrinkage for select patients with shoulder instability, although some clinics are also using the technology to shorten loose or partially torn ACLs or PCLs and treat ulno-carpal instability in the wrist. One of the hottest but most controversial items on many wish lists is a radiofrequency energy delivery system. Although one center may be dissatisfied with a device, another may be perfectly happy with it. One note: Please remember that our article only recounts anecdotal experiences. It's our hope that this advice will help you more know-ledgeably assess new acquisitions for your center.
We asked decision-makers in outpatient surgery centers across the country to share their recent experiences with some of the newest arthroscopy systems and devices. In this article, you'll find just that kind of advice.
Their experience shows why, prior to purchasing expensive arthroscopic equipment, it can be helpful to seek the input of colleagues who have already used the devices. Once the surgeons began using the scope, they realized that they hated the picture it provided, forcing them to ditch the autoclavable scopes, purchase six traditional cameras, and ramp up on their cold sterilization capability. They reasoned that the 10-minute autoclave cycle would provide very rapid turnover, save the expense of cold chemical sterilization, and allow the center to do more scopes without having to purchase extra camera systems. After building what is now the Northwest Surgery Center in Indianapolis, the principals decided to equip it with autoclavable arthroscopic cameras rather than buy traditional cameras.
0 kommentar(er)
