Arthroscopy Specialist
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Andrew Kersten, MD
Orthopedic Surgery located in Hendersonville, NC & Arden, NC
Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Andrew Kersten, MD, specializes in shoulder, elbow, and knee arthroscopy at his private practice in Asheville, North Carolina. Considered a leader in the field, Dr. Kersten also teaches arthroscopy courses to other orthopedic surgeons. If you’re looking for an arthroscopy specialist to diagnose or treat your joint pain, schedule an appointment at Dr. Kersten’s office online or by phone today.
Arthroscopy Q & A
What is arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy is a surgical technique that allows Dr. Kersten to visually examine, diagnose, and treat problems inside your joint without making a large incision. He inserts a thin, flexible instrument (arthroscope) through a small incision about the size of a buttonhole.
The arthroscope has a light and lens that illuminates and magnifies the structures inside your joint, which Dr. Kersten views on a screen. This lets him closely examine tissues to diagnose specific injuries and perform the treatment.
Why would I need arthroscopy?
Arthroscopy may be necessary to help Dr. Kersten diagnose the cause of your joint pain if a physical exam and imaging tests don’t provide adequate information. He may also recommend arthroscopy to treat a wide range of painful joint problems, including:
Elbow conditions
Common elbow conditions that may require arthroscopic surgery include arthritis, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and loose pieces of cartilage and bone in the elbow.
Shoulder conditions
Shoulder arthroscopy may be necessary to relieve painful symptoms of a wide range of injuries, including:
- Rotator cuff tear
- Biceps tendon injury
- Labral/SLAP tear
- Ligament tears
- Loose cartilage
- Recurrent shoulder dislocations
Dr. Kersten may also use arthroscopy to repair a shoulder fracture, remove a bone spur, or release a pinched nerve in your shoulder.
Knee conditions
Dr. Kersten uses arthroscopy to treat many common knee problems, including:
- Meniscus tears
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Damaged articular cartilage
- Kneecap (patella) problems
- Loose fragments of bone or cartilage
He may also use arthroscopy to remove inflamed or infected tissue from your knee.
What should I expect from an arthroscopy procedure?
First, Dr. Kersten performs a thorough physical exam and reviews your symptoms and medical history to make sure you’re a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery. He may perform tests, such as blood tests or an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG).
Dr. Kersten usually performs arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure, which means you don’t have to stay in the hospital. Although arthroscopy is less invasive than open surgery, you still need some type of anesthesia before the procedure, such as general or spinal anesthesia.
During the procedure, Dr. Kersten makes a small incision in your joint and inserts the arthroscope. If he finds a problem, he may make one or more additional incisions to insert thin surgical tools.
After the surgery is complete, he removes all the instruments and closes your incisions. Because arthroscopy is minimally invasive, it involves a faster recovery time, less pain, and a lower risk of complications than open surgery.
To find out how arthroscopy can help you, call the office of Andrew Kersten, MD, or book an appointment online today.
