Imaging is vital for diagnosing and treating orthopedic and joint conditions. Dr. Steven Struhl is a top orthopedic surgeon who has invested in the most advanced imaging technology for his orthopedic clinics in NYC and White Plains, NY. One of the cutting-edge imaging procedures Dr. Struhl uses is IntraVu needle scope arthroscopy, a quick, patient-centric alternative to MRI or ultrasound imaging.
Alternative to MRI and 99% Accurate Result in Minutes
What is IntraVu and how does it compare to an MRI? The IntraVu device is an imaging device that is tiny and uses a needle scope to access the area in the body under evaluation. Like an arthroscope that is used during arthroscopic surgeries, it can send live digital images in real time to a digital monitor, but without an incision. Instead of an arthroscope, a special needle is inserted into the area with a tiny camera that sends back digital images to the monitor. This is a powerful tool for diagnosing orthopedic conditions and performing some types of treatments.
The advantages for the patient of IntraVu imaging over an MRI is that it is quicker and offers a live view of the area under evaluation. The needle scope can be inserted while the patient is awake and aware, creating live images on a digital monitor in minutes. There is no need to wait for MRI results – this imaging can be performed at Dr. Struhl’s office under his supervision. The imaging is clear with excellent optics. Dr. Struhl uses a gas medium with the IntraVu device that allows for better clarity and safety.
Benefits of IntraVu Imaging
With the IntraVu device, immediate images can be retrieved in an office setting for both diagnostic and treatment purposes. Patients can see the images and better understand their diagnosis and treatment options for orthopedic conditions. Dr. Struhl uses IntraVu needle scope arthroscopy as an option during diagnostic or post-operative visits with his patients to examine the joint quickly and effectively. Some of the many benefits of using IntraVu include:
- Quick results in an office setting
- Patient can participate in diagnosis and treatments
- Better imaging for post-operative evaluations than MRI
- Superior for viewing articular cartilage and labrum
- Effective for image-guided injections
- Alternative imaging for those who cannot have an MRI
- Less expensive than an MRI
Dr. Struhl often uses the IntraVu during regenerative and traditional injection treatments versus ultrasound or other imaging. This has a few different benefits for treatment and the patient. First, IntraVu uses gas, not liquid, as a viewing medium, which will not dilute the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), stem cells or steroid when it is injected. Second, the IntraVu device offers precision accuracy for injection treatments. Third, patients can view the treatment live, giving them peace of mind that the injections are delivering treatment to the desired area.
While IntraVu offers many advantages to MRIs, there are some instances when an MRI or other type of imaging is still required. Extraarticular damage, posterior meniscus tears, some cysts and changes in the bone may be better viewed with an MRI versus an IntraVu needle scope. Dr. Struhl uses various imaging options depending on the patient and orthopedic condition, including MRIs, x-rays, ultrasound and the IntraVu needle scope.
Dr. Steven Struhl is one of the top orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine specialists, offering the most advanced, cutting edge treatments at his clinics in Westchester County. IntraVu needle scope arthroscopy is one of the many advanced tools that Dr. Struhl offers to improve the treatment process for his patients. To learn more about IntraVu imaging or to schedule an appointment, contact our clinic in Manhattan or White Plains, NY.
Needle Arthroscopy Frequently Asked Questions
When considering if needle arthroscopy is right for you, it is important to gather enough knowledge to make an informed decision. It is normal to have plenty of questions prior to any medical procedure. Here are the most frequently asked questions we receive from our patients.
What is the difference between having the procedure in-office vs. at a facility?
At the facility, a touch of IV sedation can be used to make the procedure more comfortable. In the office, Dr. Struhl uses only local anesthesia. This can cause some minor discomfort if he needs to probe with the needle to see more clearly. At the facility, muscles can be relaxed to make the process more pleasant and quicker for the patient.
Is the anesthetic general (going under entirely) or localized?
Dr. Struhl uses local anesthesia when inserting the needle before the procedure. A touch of sedation lighter than what is used for a colonoscopy can be used for increased comfort. This lighter sedation does not put you under as heavily as general anesthesia.
Dr. Struhl mentioned that I should have someone accompany me home. Would this still be necessary if only localized anesthetic is used?
You are free to come to the office by yourself for any appointment. Whenever you have a surgical procedure, you will need to have someone available to escort you home. If you do not have an escort, our staff may be able to assist you.
Are there any precautions or preparations that I need to be aware of BEFORE I come in for the procedure?
It is extremely important not to eat or drink anything after midnight prior to the arthroscopy procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
Needle arthroscopy can be done in 10 minutes or less in Dr. Struhl’s office.
Will Dr. Struhl be able to see multiple issues during the procedure? If there are multiple injury issues in one location, will there be multiple needle insertions to get the full picture?
Only one needle insertion is needed during arthroscopy to see all the issues at once. Sometimes a second needle insertion is necessary for Dr. Struhl to view things from a different perspective. A second needle insertion will not affect recovery after the procedure.
What is the recovery time after the procedure? What might I expect in terms of how the procedure will momentarily affect mobility or pain?
The downtime for recovery after arthroscopy is minimal. You can expect soreness around the injection site for a day or two. There have been rare occasions where patients have experienced pain longer than that. However, the procedure is no more invasive than an injection.
How quickly will the diagnosis be known? How quickly will a follow-up plan be made?
A diagnosis can be made instantaneously, as Dr. Struhl sees what is going on live during the procedure. Plenty of photos will be taken during the arthroscopy, which can be sent to you the same day to review the results yourself. A follow-up plan for treatment can be discussed immediately afterward. However, you may want to wait until the next day so you can remember what is discussed.
Needle arthroscopy delivers 99% accurate results immediately and is a better alternative to an MRI procedure. If you have additional questions or would like to know more about needle arthroscopy, feel free to call our office anytime, day or night. Our staff is available to assist you 24 hours a day. Call Dr. Struhl today to schedule a consultation appointment.