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Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy at Dr. Burke Orthopedics: Minimally Invasive Joint Repair for Faster Recovery


Advanced, Patient-Centered Care for Knee, Shoulder, and Hip Conditions

At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we specialize in arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure that allows for both the diagnosis and treatment of joint problems with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recovery.
Whether you’re struggling with a knee injury, shoulder pain, or hip joint issue, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, provides expert arthroscopic care designed to restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.

Serving Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, Dr. Burke combines medical precision with compassionate, individualized treatment for every patient.

  • Minimally Invasive Technique
  • Faster Recovery
  • Expert Care

Why Choose Dr. Burke for Arthroscopic Surgery?

  • Expert in Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Techniques

    Dr. Burke has performed thousands of successful arthroscopic procedures and is recognized for his expertise in using minimally invasive methods to repair and restore joint health.
    His approach emphasizes precision, safety, and long-term outcomes—helping patients return to daily activities and sports faster, with less discomfort and downtime.

  • Faster Recovery with Less Pain

    Because arthroscopy requires only small incisions, it causes less soft tissue trauma than traditional open surgery.
    Patients typically experience:

    • •   Reduced post-surgical pain
    • •   Shorter recovery times
    • •   Minimal scarring and lower risk of infection

    In most cases, patients can return to normal activities within weeks, not months.

  • Advanced Imaging for Accurate Diagnosis and Repair

    Using a high-definition arthroscope camera, Dr. Burke can view the inside of the joint in real time with exceptional clarity.
    This advanced visualization enables him to identify and treat even subtle issues with pinpoint accuracy, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible for optimal recovery.

  • FDA-Approved Tools and Proven Safety

    All arthroscopic equipment and instruments used at Dr. Burke Orthopedics are FDA-approved and clinically validated for safety and precision.
    This ensures that each patient benefits from the latest advancements in minimally invasive orthopedic technology and the highest standard of surgical care.

What is Arthroscopy?

Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows orthopedic surgeons to diagnose and treat joint problems using a small camera and miniature surgical tools inserted through tiny incisions.
Commonly performed on the knee, shoulder, and hip, arthroscopy can be used to treat conditions such as:

  • Knee Arthroscopy: For meniscus tears, cartilage damage, and ligament injuries (ACL, PCL, MCL)
  • Shoulder Arthroscopy: For rotator cuff tears, shoulder impingement, and instability
  • Hip Arthroscopy: For labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and cartilage damage

Because the incisions are small, patients typically experience less postoperative pain, faster recovery, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional open surgery.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

Am I a Candidate for Arthroscopy?

You may be a good candidate for arthroscopic surgery if you:

  • Have persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling that has not improved with non-surgical care (physical therapy, medication, or injections)
  • Have been diagnosed with a meniscus tear, rotator cuff injury, labral tear, or cartilage damage
  • Need a less invasive treatment option with a quicker recovery time than traditional surgery

  • Have joint pain or limited mobility that has not improved with non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medication, or injections.
  • Are dealing with conditions like meniscus tears, rotator cuff injuries, or joint inflammation.
  • Need a less invasive option with quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgery.

Dr. Burke will perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and advanced imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans, to determine whether arthroscopy is the most effective treatment for your condition.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

The Arthroscopy Process: Step-by-Step

  • 1. Preoperative Planning

    Before your procedure, Dr. Burke will carefully assess your condition using detailed imaging to map the joint.
    This ensures a precise surgical plan and reduces intraoperative risk.

  • 2. Arthroscopic Surgery

    During surgery, Dr. Burke makes small incisions near the affected joint and inserts a thin arthroscope camera to visualize the area.
    With specialized instruments, he can remove damaged tissue, repair ligaments, or smooth cartilage—all through incisions typically less than one centimeter long. The minimally invasive approach helps preserve healthy tissue and joint stability.

  • 3. Post-Surgical Recovery and Rehabilitation

    Because arthroscopy is less invasive, most patients return home
    the same day
    . Dr. Burke’s team provides a
    custom rehabilitation plan
    that includes physical therapy and at-home exercises to restore mobility and strength.
    Patients typically resume normal activities within a few weeks, depending on the joint and type of repair.

Key Benefits of Arthroscopy

  • Minimally Invasive: Smaller incisions mean less tissue damage, minimal scarring, and reduced risk of infection.
  • Faster Recovery: Shorter healing times help patients return to work, sports, and daily routines more quickly.
  • Precision and Accuracy: High-definition visualization enables precise diagnosis and treatment.
  • Less Pain: Smaller incisions and targeted repair lead to less postoperative discomfort.

  • Minimally Invasive: Arthroscopy requires only small incisions, reducing scarring, blood loss, and the risk of infection.
  • Quick Recovery: Patients typically experience shorter recovery times and can return to daily activities sooner than with traditional surgery.
  • Precise Diagnosis and Treatment: The high-definition camera allows for a clear view of the joint, enabling precise treatment and preserving healthy tissue.
  • Less Pain: Smaller incisions and targeted treatment result in less post-operative pain compared to open surgery.

Risks and Potential Complications

While arthroscopy is generally safe, every surgical procedure carries some risk. Possible complications include:

  • Infection at or near the incision site
  • Blood clots or deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
  • Temporary stiffness or limited mobility
  • Nerve irritation near the surgical site (rare)

  • Infection at the incision site.
  • Blood clots following the procedure.
  • Nerve damage near the joint, though this is rare.
  • Stiffness or limited mobility after surgery, which can usually be addressed with physical therapy.

Dr. Burke takes every precaution to minimize risk, using sterile techniques and postoperative protocols designed to promote optimal healing and joint recovery.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

What to Expect After Arthroscopy

  • Days 1–7: Most patients return home the same day. Swelling and mild discomfort are managed with ice and medication.
  • Weeks 2–4: Physical therapy begins, focusing on restoring range of motion and flexibility.
  • Weeks 4–8: Strength training progresses, and most patients resume light work or exercise.
  • Weeks 8–12: Full recovery and return to higher-impact activities, depending on the procedure.

  • Days 1-7: Patients usually go home the same day of surgery and can manage pain with over-the-counter medications. Swelling and discomfort will gradually subside during this period.
  • Weeks 2-4: Physical therapy begins, with a focus on restoring range of motion and reducing swelling. Most patients return to light daily activities within 2-4 weeks, depending on the joint that was treated.
  • Weeks 4-8: Continued physical therapy helps to strengthen the joint and improve flexibility. Most patients can return to regular activities and even light sports after 4-8 weeks, though it may take longer for more intensive activities like running or heavy lifting.

Dr. Burke monitors progress closely and adjusts your recovery plan to ensure complete restoration of joint function.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

Arthroscopy vs. Traditional Surgery

Traditional open surgery often requires large incisions, leading to longer healing times, more pain, and a higher risk of scarring.
In contrast, arthroscopy offers several key advantages:

  • Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption
  • Faster recovery and return to daily activities
  • More accurate diagnosis and repair under direct visualization

  • Smaller Incisions: Minimally invasive, resulting in less tissue damage.
  • Quicker Recovery: Patients typically recover faster and with less pain
  • Precise Treatment: Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat issues with a high level of accuracy.

Patients who choose arthroscopy experience shorter downtime, less pain, and fewer complications—making it the preferred choice for many joint procedures.

  • Patients suffering from severe knee or hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or traumatic injury.
  • Individuals who have not found relief from non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, or medications.
  • Athletes and active individuals seeking a durable solution that allows them to return to high levels of activity with confidence.
  • Younger patients who need precise alignment for a longer-lasting implant or those with complex joint anatomy.

Why Patients Across Houston & Pearland Trust Dr. Burke Orthopedics

  • Board-certified orthopedic surgeon with advanced training in arthroscopic joint repair
  • Comprehensive care from diagnosis through full recovery
  • FDA-approved, minimally invasive surgical technology
  • Trusted by patients across Houston, Pearland, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas

  • Smaller Incisions: Minimally invasive, resulting in less tissue damage.
  • Quicker Recovery: Patients typically recover faster and with less pain
  • Precise Treatment: Arthroscopy allows the surgeon to diagnose and treat issues with a high level of accuracy.

Get Same-Day Appointments and
Arthroscopy Consultations

If you’re experiencing joint pain, limited movement, or sports-related injury, Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers same-day appointments and advanced diagnostic testing to identify the source of your pain quickly.
Whether you need knee, shoulder, or hip arthroscopy, Dr. Burke and his team are here to help you find relief and restore your mobility safely and efficiently.

(713) 436-3488

Disclaimer:


The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional care based on information you have read here.

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"At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, our focus is on you. With personalized care, advanced orthopedic treatments, and a commitment to getting you back to what you love, we’re here to support your journey to better health and mobility."