Arthroscopy has revolutionized the treatment of joint injuries, helping skilled orthopedic surgeons like Dr. Allegra to examine, diagnose and treat even complex joint injuries and conditions.
In the past, treatment may have involved extensive surgery, including large incisions, a hospital stay, a prolonged recovery and the risk of postsurgical infection and complications. With high-technology arthroscopic surgery, Dr. Allegra’s patients experience less pain and quicker recovery, often returning home on the same day as their procedure. Risk of infection and complications are minimal, and patients can quickly resume their normal activities.
Minimally-invasive arthroscopy is commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, ankle, wrist, elbow and hip.
Dr. Allegra is one of the few surgeons in Monmouth County who performs hip arthroscopy, a less invasive procedure than hip replacement, on an outpatient basis.
Hip arthroscopy is much less common than knee or shoulder arthroscopy and can help to relieve the pain that results from injury or chronic conditions of the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
The arthroscope is a small fiber-optic viewing instrument made up of a tiny lens, a light source and video camera. The surgeon inserts the arthroscope into the joint through a tiny incision (about 1/4 of an inch) called a portal. Two or three very small incisions may be made for the insertion of surgical instruments. These incisions result in very small scars which in many cases are unnoticeable.
With small incision sites and direct access to most areas of the joint, an arthroscopic surgeon can diagnose and surgically correct a vast array of joint problems such as arthritis and ligament tears.
Dr. Allegra’s first contact with patients includes an orthopedic evaluation consisting of a medical history; a physical examination to assess range of motion, stability, strength and alignment; X-rays to determine the extent of damage and occasionally blood tests, and an MRI or bone scan.
After the evaluation and diagnosis, treatment options are discussed. Dr. Allegra takes time with each patient to explain each treatment option, so an informed decision can be made.