Have you recently been told you need orthopedic surgery? Fear not, there are many new advances in orthopedic surgery that make surgery safer and more effective than before.
What is Minimally Invasive Surgery
Minimally invasive surgery is different from traditional “open surgery” where there is a large incision. There are a host of different surgical techniques that are considered minimally invasive, but within orthopedics, arthroscopic surgery is one of the most common types. Arthroscopic surgery is done through two small incisions with a camera on the end of the surgical instrument. This lets surgeons see what is happening inside the body while minimizing open wounds and scarring.
What Types of Conditions Can be Treated by Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Many injuries and conditions that require surgery can be done using minimally invasive techniques. Orthopedic surgery was the first subspecialty to begin using the technique. this type of surgery is becoming more common for major surgeries like the heart and brain as well! A few categories to mention include:
What Are the Benefits of Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is one of the greatest advances in surgical techniques due to the many benefits to the patients.
What is Different Between Minimally Invasive Surgery v. Open Surgery
In traditional open surgery, surgeons make a large incision to see the affected area. They then use surgical tools to mend and then sow the area back up. This leaves room for infection and can make the recovery time much longer. With minimally invasive surgery, particularly within orthopedics, an arthroscopy makes two small incisions and inserts tubes with a camera on the end. The camera becomes the eyes of the surgeon and guides them on where to go by displaying on a monitor at eye level to the surgeon.
What Surgeons Do Minimally Invasive Surgery?
If your orthopedic surgeon specializes in acute joint injuries, they typically will do arthroscopic surgery. The exception to that within orthopedics would be a joint replacement procedure. A joint replacement procedure (particularly the knee) is not considered minimally invasive due to the nature of the surgery.
At Elite, the following doctors use minimally invasive surgery to treat patients:
Sources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/minimally-invasive-surgery/about/pac-20384771
