How To Manage Dermatomyositis Effectively

Surgical Intervention

Surgical intervention is not considered a standard treatment for dermatomyositis, and it is usually only recommended for patients who have calcium deposits causing significant nerve pain. Calcium deposits that have been present for a prolonged period often dry out and become inflamed, and they may rupture and leak calcium into the body. For these patients, choosing to have surgery relieves pain and may help prevent recurrent infections. Before scheduling the operation, the patient will need to have x-rays and other imaging studies to determine the location and size of the calcium deposits; this information will help the surgeon plan the most effective treatment. The surgery itself is carried out under general anesthesia, and patients can have the operation at a hospital or outpatient surgery center. This type of surgery is normally performed as an arthroscopic procedure. An arthroscope is a lighted camera inserted into a joint, and the surgeon then inserts surgical instruments around the camera. This method uses tiny incisions and minimal equipment, reducing scarring, post-operative pain, and recovery time.