Minimally Invasive Surgery • What is Joint Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional open surgery, and it is a growing area of orthopaedic sports medicine due to its many advantages. Since this type of surgery causes less disruption to muscles using a small incision, patients usually experience shorter recovery times, less surgical risk, and reduced postoperative pain and scarring. Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine is proud to offer arthroscopic surgery options for our patients, performed by our sports medicine specialist, Dr. Ira Guttentag, M.D., F.A.C.S.

During arthroscopic surgery, three small incisions are made around the joint area so that surgical instruments can be inserted into them. The surgeon will insert a tube-like needle that will pump fluid into the joint to expand it, allowing the surgeon to view and repair the joint. Through a different incision, a small, flexible tube called an arthroscope is inserted, which has a light and a camera, allowing the surgeon to view the inside of the joint and find damaged tissue. Then, if the surgeon can repair the joint, small surgical instruments can be inserted through the last incision to do so.

Dr. Guttentag performs arthroscopic surgery for:

• Shoulders – For shoulder instability, labral tears, biceps tendonitis, shoulder separations, and rotator cuff tears
• Knees – For ACL reconstruction, meniscus repairs, and partial and total knee replacements

Dr. Guttentag has served as the Head Team Physician and Medical Director for the Tampa Bay Lightning since 2002. He is trained to care for all levels of athletes, getting them back in action quickly, whether that’s at a professional ice hockey arena or the neighborhood basketball court. You can trust he will provide you with dedicated, one-on-one care that’s centered on your needs.

Contact Florida Medical Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine & Spine today to schedule a consult with Dr. Guttentag to discuss your arthroscopic surgery options.

Proudly serving Wiregrass/Wesley Chapel, Tampa, Zephyrhills, and Brandon FL