Not every surgery has to be invasive. Minimally invasive surgery options have become more common, especially in orthopedics. When you are dealing with a sports injury or a chronic condition, the right minimally invasive orthopedic surgery might be the best treatment for you.
What is a Minimally Invasive Surgery?
When you need minimally invasive surgery, it means your surgeon will use a specific technique to limit the number of incisions and the size of the incisions. Often, this type of surgery is considered to be safe compared to open surgery.
Most patients will recover from a minimally invasive orthopedic surgery faster than from open surgery. With open surgery, your surgeon will make one large cut to get into your body. A minimally invasive surgery will include small tools, cameras, and lights that can fit through smaller cuts in your skin.
Some minimally invasive surgeries can even be done with robotic technology. This can provide the surgeon with more precise control. Others will be done without robotic technology.
4 Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgeries
1. Knee Arthroscopy
One of the most commonly used minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries is known as knee arthroscopy. It was actually the first arthroscopy used in history.
A knee arthroscopy will include two or more small incisions and a camera mounted on an arthroscope. This camera will make it easier to see the interior of the joint. Your surgeon will use small surgical tools inserted through the incisions, while the camera shows the image on a TV screen.
this type of minimally invasive surgery option is commonly used for:
- Inflamed synovium removal
- ACL tear reconstruction
- Loose body removal
- Trimming or repairing a meniscal tear
2. Shoulder Arthroscopy
If you have suffered from an injury to your shoulder, you might need this common minimally invasive surgery. Your surgeon will use an arthroscope and specialized tools to perform the repairs. This type of surgery can be used to help relieve pain from a variety of shoulder injuries.
Some of the injuries you can treat with a shoulder arthroscopy include:
- Removing inflamed tissue
- Shoulder instability repair
- Bone spur removal
- Labral removal or repair
- Rotator cuff repair
3. Hip Arthroscopy
Another minimally invasive orthopedic surgery is known as hip arthroscopy. this type of surgery includes a small incision where an arthroscope is inserted into the hip joint. Another small incision will be made to insert the surgical tools. The surgeon will use the instruments to manipulate the joint property to repair the issue.
Hip arthroscopy minimally invasive surgery is used commonly for:
- Hip dysplasia
- Synovitis
- Femoroacetabular impingement
- Removing a loose body in the joint
- Other hip injuries
4. Wrist Arthroscopy
Like the other three orthopedic minimally invasive surgeries on this list, a wrist arthroscopy includes an arthroscope and specialized surgical instruments. It can be used to help repair the wrist and relieve pain.
Commonly, a wrist arthroscopy will be used for:
- Fracture repair
- Carpal tunnel release procedures
- Ligament tear repair
- TFCC tear repair
- Treating and diagnosing chronic wrist pain
It is possible to use minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries for joint replacement and to treat many injuries. If you are a candidate for this type of surgery, you can expect faster recovery.
Dr. John Andrachuk is a leading Orthopedic Sports Medicine surgeon in Atlanta with offices in Midtown and Sandy Springs. Learn more about Dr. Andrachuk, and contact him today. 