Arthroscopic Surgery
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows doctors to diagnose and sometimes treat joint injuries and disease through small incisions in the skin. It is often performed to confirm a diagnosis made after a physical examination and other imaging tests such as MRI, CT or X-rays.
During an arthroscopic procedure, a thin fiberoptic light, magnifying lens and tiny television camera are inserted into the problem area, allowing the doctor to examine the joint in great detail.
Scaphoid Fracture
A nonunion is a complication of a fracture that involves a bone that does not heal. Most fractures can eventually heal, either by themselves or through surgery. Slow-healing bones are referred to as a delayed union, while a bone that does not heal is called a nonunion. While any bone can develop into a nonunion, this classification is often applied to the scaphoid bone, one of the eight bones that make up the wrist. This bone is a common victim of nonunion because it has poor blood flow.
Treatment for a nonunion varies depending on the cause of the problem, but may include surgery to remove infection and stabilize the fracture, or a bone graft to stimulate bone growth. Patients can help prevent nonunions by avoiding smoking and eating well. Those who are obese or diabetic may be at a higher risk for being affected by a nonunion fracture.
