Arthroscopic lavage

Arthroscopic Lavage

Arthroscopic lavage (pronounced: ar-thro-scop-ic la-vage), also known as arthroscopic joint washout, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems in joints. The term is derived from the Greek words "arthro" meaning joint, "skopos" meaning to look at, and the French word "lavage" meaning washing.

Procedure

During an arthroscopy, a small camera, or arthroscope, is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The arthroscope allows the surgeon to view the joint on a screen. The joint is then irrigated, or washed out, with a saline solution to remove any loose debris or inflammatory cells. This is known as lavage.

Uses

Arthroscopic lavage is often used in the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knee. It can also be used to remove loose bodies in the joint, such as bone or cartilage fragments, or to wash out infection.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with arthroscopic lavage. These can include infection, bleeding, and damage to the joint. There may also be complications from the anesthesia.

Related Terms

Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint in which an examination and sometimes treatment is performed using an arthroscope.
Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis that occurs when flexible tissue at the ends of bones wears down.
Lavage: The therapeutic washing out of a body cavity or wound.