Arthroscopy is one of the most commonly performed procedures to help diagnose problems in the knee and shoulder. It's a minor surgical procedure and performed on outpatients.

What Happens During Arthroscopy?

First, your doctor will numb the area of the joint and give you some medication to help you relax during the procedure.

Then, the doctor inserts a tool called an arthroscope into your joint through several small incisions to see how much damage is in the joint. Many injuries can be repaired during arthroscopy.

Preparing for Arthroscopy

Before undergoing this or any other procedure, be sure to tell your doctor about any medications or vitamins you are taking.

Be sure to leave all jewelry, watches, and other valuables at home.

Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to put on and take off.

The night before arthroscopy, do not drink or eat anything unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. You'll be given some soapy sponges that you will need to scrub your knee or shoulder before you go in for the procedure.

Arrange to have someone drive you home after the procedure.

After the Arthroscopy

When the procedure is completed, you'll be taken to a recovery room where you'll rest for about an hour or more.

What Can I Expect After Arthroscopy?

You may feel drowsy for two to three days after surgery. You may also require some pain medications at regular intervals. This is normal. These symptoms will gradually subside.

Wound Care. Keep the site of the procedure bandaged. The bandage needs to be kept clean and dry. When bathing, cover it with plastic.
Pain control. Apply ice for the first 24 hours to reduce swelling. If you've had arthroscopy on the knee, elevate the leg to reduce pain. Take pain medicines as prescribed and do not drink alcohol.
Activity. Return to activity as prescribed by your doctor. You may have to use crutches or wear a brace and you will have to do some exercises as prescribed by your doctor.

WebMD Medical Reference

SOURCE: American Academy of Orthopedic Sugeons.

Reviewed by Brunilda Nazario, MD, MD on May 05, 2009

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Do You Have Fibromyalgia Pain?

Cymbalta is approved for the management of fibromyalgia.

Important Safety Information

Cymbalta^® (duloxetine HCl) is approved for the treatment of depression and generalized anxiety disorder, and for the management of diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia.

What should I talk about with my healthcare provider?

Patients on antidepressants and their families or caregivers should watch for new or worsening depression symptoms, unusual changes in behavior, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, restlessness, or extreme hyperactivity. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have thoughts of suicide or if any of these symptoms are severe or occur suddenly. Be especially observant within the first few months of antidepressant treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

You should also know that:

Suicide is a known risk of depression and some other psychiatric disorders.
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or behaviors in some children, adolescents, and young adults especially within the first few months of treatment or when changing the dose. No increased risk has been shown for adults over age 24, and risk decreased for those over age 65.
All patients starting therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for new or worsening depression symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior, or unusual changes in behavior.
Cymbalta^® is not approved for use in patients under age 18.

Who should NOT take Cymbalta?
You should not take Cymbalta if:

You have recently taken a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
You have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (an eye disease)
You are taking Mellaril^® (thioridazine)

What other important information should I discuss with my healthcare provider?
Before starting Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:

about all of your medical conditions, including kidney problems, glaucoma, or diabetes
about your alcohol use
if you are taking nonprescription or prescription medicines, including those for migraine, to address a possible life threatening condition
if you are taking NSAID pain relievers, aspirin, or blood thinners. Use with Cymbalta may increase bleeding risk
if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant during therapy, or are breastfeeding an infant

While taking Cymbalta, tell your healthcare provider:

if you have itching, right upper belly pain, dark urine, yellow skin/eyes, or unexplained flu-like symptoms, which may be signs of liver problems. Severe liver problems, sometimes fatal, have been reported
if you have high fever, confusion, and stiff muscles to address a possible life-threatening condition
before stopping Cymbalta or changing your dose
if you experience dizziness or fainting upon standing, especially when first starting Cymbalta or when increasing the dose. Your healthcare provider may periodically check your blood pressure while you are taking Cymbalta

If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider before taking Cymbalta.

What are the possible side effects of Cymbalta?

The most common side effect of Cymbalta was nausea. For most people who had it, the nausea was mild to moderate. Other common side effects included dry mouth, sleepiness, constipation, decreased appetite, and, increased sweating. This is not a complete list of side effects.

Safety Information and Boxed Warning | Prescribing Information | Medication Guide