Minimally Invasive Sports Medicine: Arthroscopic Surgery

To return athletes the the playing field as quickly as possible, Dr. Rieber is a strong advocate of minimally invasive surgical techniques, including knee arthroscopy for ACL tears and meniscal tears, and shoulder arthroscopy for rotator cuff and labral tears. By utilizing arthroscopy, Dr. Rieber is able to get athletes back to their previous levels of activity much more quickly when compared to traditional open surgical techniques.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to operate on a joint without making a large and potentially damaging incision. Because arthroscopy does not require a large incision, scarring is significantly reduced. Arthroscopy is ideal for treating athletes and sports injuries because it affords for a much shorter post-operative recovery period when compared to traditional, open joint surgery that requires large incisions that allow for greater likelihood of scar tissue development.

Arthroscopic Procedure

To perform an arthroscopic procedure, the surgeon must make two small incisions in the affected joint. In the first incision, the orthopaedic surgeon inserts an arthroscope, a miniature camera that sends real-time images to a computer screen from within the joint. In the second incision, the surgeon inserts the surgical instruments, approximately pencil-sized, to perform the operation. The surgeon is guided by the arthroscope, which allows him to see the entire joint without splaying open the knee or shoulder. Arthroscopy typically results in less blood loss, reduced post-operative pain, shorter recovery time, and minimal scarring.

Knee Arthroscopy for ACL Tears

Knee arthroscopy is most commonly performed to treat a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL, which helps restrain the knee and control movement, becomes torn when it is stretched beyond its means. This can happen by twisting the knee beyond normal range of motion, or pivoting incorrectly on a planted foot. When the ACL tears, the patient may hear a "pop" and feel that the knee has given out from beneath them. Significant pain, inflammation, and swelling arises.

ACL Surgery

Knee arthroscopy is a common solution to treating a torn ACL, as it allows the orthopaedic surgeon to operate on the knee without making a large incision. ACL reconstructive surgery restores strength and stability to the knee, and allows athletes to return to the playing field quickly, with relatively little compromise.

Shoulder Arthroscopy for Rotator Cuff Tears

The rotator cuff is a set of four muscles located in the shoulder that helps stabilize and support to the shoulder joint. The rotator cuff allows the shoulder to rotate, as well as hold the humerus (upper arm bone) in place. The muscles in the rotator cuff help lift and rotate the arm and stabilize the ball within the joint.

The rotator can be injured through repetitive motions, such as pitching a baseball or serving in tennis. Additionally, because the shoulder is a relatively unstable joint, trauma to the shoulder can cause the rotator cuff to become damaged. If the rotator cuff is torn, significant pain arises, and arthroscopic surgery may be indicated. Shoulder arthroscopy will help alleviate the pain, discomfort, and lost function associated with a torn rotator cuff.

Minimally Invasive Expert in New Jersey

Dr. Michael Rieber, with offices in Springfield, NJ, and Newark, NJ, is one of the area's foremost arthroscopic experts, and one of the most adept sports medicine surgeons in the area. Dr. Rieber served a Fellowship at Hershey Medical Center of Hershey, PA, and is a member of the Arthroscopy Association of North America, as well as the American College of Sports Medicine. Dr. Rieber currently serves as the team orthopaedic surgeon for the Newark Bears baseball team, and has served previously as team physician for the New York / New Jersey Metrostars, as well as the Newark High School Football Team.

Schedule an appointment at one of Dr. Rieber's two New Jersey offices »