Arthroscopy Specialist
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Ahn specializes in arthroscopy of the hand, wrist, and elbow. Dr. Ahn studied at Brown University before completing his orthopedic surgery residency at the Hospital for Joint Diseases/NYU combined program. He later did fellowship training in hand and upper limb surgery at Tufts/New England Baptist Hospital. Today, he offers Arthroscopy service to residents of Manhattan Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, and the South Bay while also serving as the Chief of Hand Surgery at Harbor UCLA.
Arthroscopy is a specialized form of surgery. The goal is to do as much repair as possible with a minimally invasive procedure. With most surgeries, the doctor makes as a large incision to open up the visual field around the affected area. A heart surgeon opens up the chest to see and work on the heart, for example.
With Arthroscopy, the surgeon makes just a tiny incision and inserts an endoscope through it. The scope will allow him to visual a joint or organ and make small repairs without the more traditional open surgery that leaves scars and increases the risk of infection.
You can treat:● Ligament Injuries in the wrist● Synovitis (Inflammation)● Wrist Arthritis● TFCC Injuries● Ganglion Removal
What can you expect from Arthroscopy service?
You will typically be done as an outpatient, which means there is no overnight stay. Small incisions are made around the joint that needs repair, and small cameras and instruments are placed through the incisions into the joint. Pictures of any pathology are taken, and then repair or removal of damaged areas can be performed. Recovery depends on the type of procedure done and may require therapy afterward to regain full function.