What Is Arthroscopy?

Insights from an Orthopedic Surgeon Dubai – Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine

If you are dealing with joint pain, swelling, or movement issues, your doctor might suggest a procedure called arthroscopy. But what is arthroscopy? How does it work? And when do you really need it? In this article, Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, a highly experienced dubai orthopedic surgeon, explains everything you need to know about arthroscopy in simple and clear language.

What Is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery used to look inside your joints and treat problems. Doctors use a special tool called an arthroscope, which is like a thin tube with a camera and light on the end. The arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small cut in the skin. The camera shows a live video of the inside of your joint on a screen, helping the surgeon see clearly and fix the problem.

Arthroscopy is commonly used for the:

Knee
Shoulder
Elbow
Wrist
Ankle
Hip

This procedure is often called keyhole surgery because the cuts are very small—about the size of a buttonhole.

Why Is Arthroscopy Done?

There are many reasons why you might need arthroscopy. It helps the doctor:

Diagnose joint problems like pain, swelling, or stiffness
Treat damaged tissues, like torn ligaments or cartilage
Remove loose bone or cartilage pieces
Clean an infected joint
Repair a joint injury after an accident

Some common conditions treated with arthroscopy include:

Torn meniscus (knee cartilage)
ACL injuries
Shoulder rotator cuff tears
Frozen shoulder
Cartilage damage
Inflammation (arthritis)

Benefits of Arthroscopy

Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine explains that arthroscopy has many advantages over open surgery:

✅ Smaller cuts – only small incisions are needed
✅ Less pain – less damage to the surrounding tissues
✅ Faster recovery – patients heal quicker than traditional surgery
✅ Lower risk of infection – fewer complications
✅ Better accuracy – the camera gives a clear view of the joint

Because of these benefits, arthroscopy is now a very popular method for both diagnosis and treatment.

How Is Arthroscopy Performed?

Let’s take a step-by-step look at how arthroscopy is done:

1. Before the Surgery

You will meet Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine for an evaluation.
He will check your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and may suggest imaging tests like an MRI or X-ray.
If arthroscopy is the right option, he will explain the process in detail.
You may be asked to avoid food or drink a few hours before surgery.

2. During the Surgery

You will be given anesthesia, which means you won’t feel pain. It could be general (you’re asleep) or local (you’re awake but numb in that area).
Small cuts (incisions) are made near the joint.
The arthroscope is inserted to show images of the inside of your joint.
Small surgical tools may be inserted through other cuts to fix the problem.
Once done, the tools are removed, and the cuts are stitched or covered.

The surgery usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the joint and the issue being treated.

3. After the Surgery

You will be taken to a recovery area.
Most people go home the same day.
You may need to rest the joint and use ice to reduce swelling.
Dr. Marouane will give you pain medicine and instructions for taking care of your wounds.

Recovery After Arthroscopy

Recovery time depends on which joint was treated and how complex the surgery was. In general:

You may walk with support (like crutches or a sling) for a few days.
You can return to normal activities in a few weeks for simple procedures.
Physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the joint and improve movement.
Full recovery might take 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the case.

Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine and his team will give you a detailed recovery plan and follow-up schedule to make sure you heal properly.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Arthroscopy?

You may be a good candidate for arthroscopy if:

You have joint pain that doesn’t improve with rest, medicine, or therapy.
You have swelling, locking, or instability in the joint.
You’ve had an injury that damaged the ligaments or cartilage.
You want a less invasive option with faster recovery.

However, arthroscopy may not be suitable if you have:

Severe joint arthritis
Joint infection
Bleeding disorders

Dr. Marouane will help decide if arthroscopy is right for you after a thorough evaluation.

Risks and Complications

Although arthroscopy is very safe, like all surgeries, it has some risks, such as:

Infection at the incision site
Bleeding or swelling
Blood clots
Damage to nerves or tissues
Stiffness in the joint

These problems are rare, especially when performed by an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine in Dubai.

Arthroscopy for Different Joints

Let’s look at how arthroscopy helps with different joints:

✔ Knee Arthroscopy

One of the most common types. It helps repair:

Meniscus tears
ACL injuries
Cartilage damage
Knee joint infections

✔ Shoulder Arthroscopy

Used for:

Rotator cuff tears
Frozen shoulder
Shoulder instability
Removing bone spurs

✔ Hip Arthroscopy

Useful for:

Labral tears
Hip impingement
Removing loose bodies

✔ Wrist, Ankle, and Elbow

These smaller joints can also be treated using tiny arthroscopic tools to fix ligament tears, joint instability, or cartilage issues.

Why Choose Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine for Arthroscopy in Dubai?

When it comes to joint surgery, choosing the right orthopedic surgeon is important for safety and success. Here’s why patients in Dubai trust Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine:

✅ Over 15 years of experience in orthopedic surgery
✅ Expert in arthroscopy for all major joints
✅ Known for his gentle approach and clear communication
✅ Focused on minimally invasive treatments with quicker recovery
✅ Works with a team of skilled therapists and medical staff
✅ Offers personalized care plans for each patient

Real Patient Experiences

Here are some examples of how Dr. Marouane has helped patients with arthroscopy:

????‍♂️ Ali, 32, Dubai – “I had knee pain for months. Dr. Marouane diagnosed a torn meniscus and performed arthroscopy. I was walking pain-free within 3 weeks!”

????‍♀️ Fatima, 45, Abu Dhabi – “I had a frozen shoulder that wouldn’t improve. After shoulder arthroscopy, I can finally raise my arm again. Dr. Marouane is kind and professional.”

???? James, 60, Dubai – “I had ankle pain from an old sports injury. Arthroscopy removed scar tissue, and I’m back to walking daily without pain.”

Final Thoughts

Arthroscopy is a safe, effective, and less painful way to treat many joint problems. Whether you have an injury, swelling, or long-term joint pain, arthroscopy might be the solution you need. Thanks to advanced technology and expert care from Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, many patients in Dubai have returned to active and pain-free lives after arthroscopic surgery.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you’re suffering from joint pain and want to explore arthroscopy, don’t wait. Dr. Marouane Bouloudhnine, a trusted orthopedic surgeon in Dubai, is here to help.