From Open Procedures To Minimally Invasive Surgery
From knees to shoulders and hips, surgeons perform millions of joint surgeries every year. Some surgeries address damaged ligaments, tendons, or bones after an accident or sports injury. Others are more complex, such as replacing the joint with metal or ceramic prostheses. Whatever the reason, surgeons once performed joint procedures using open surgery, a large incision several inches long along the joint. There is another way, though, through technological advancement. With minimally invasive surgery (MIS), doctors can fix these major joints while providing benefits that are thought to be lost due to traditional means.
Tiny cameras, big results
MIS on large joints like knees, shoulders, and hips is performed using arthroscopy. This procedure requires an arthroscope, a long, thin device with a tiny camera and light attached. The camera connects to an external monitor, allowing the surgeon a high-definition view of the affected area. Arthroscopy only requires incisions 1-2 inches or smaller to insert the scope. Traditional open surgery uses an incision several inches long, separating the tissue and muscle to access the joint. While both can address the underlying issue, minimally invasive techniques have more noticeable benefits. MIS leads to less postoperative pain, less blood loss, and smaller scars. The procedure also promises a shorter downtime as patients can leave the hospital the same day. In some cases, MIS has higher success rates.
Knees made new
The knee joint is complex with ligaments, cartilage, and bone necessary for movement, shock absorption, and changes in direction. Knees are prone to injuries, especially in sports. Meniscus tears, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, and patella injuries are common. Millions of individuals also struggle with knee arthritis. Wear and tear lead to severe knee pain and limited mobility. Minimally invasive surgery can help to repair ligaments or replace joints. The technique is quadriceps sparing. The surgeon can avoid cutting and disrupting the quadriceps tendon, leading to a rapid recovery. Patients can benefit from partial knee replacement, which preserves tissue and bone, or a total knee replacement. MIS also includes robotics, fixing knees with more accuracy and speed.
Complex solutions for shoulder pain
Injury or wear and tear can lead to rotator cuff tears or superior labrum anterior to posterior (SLAP) tears. These conditions can be repaired with minor incisions to speed up recovery. Surgeons now use knotless implants and fixation techniques to avoid leaving knots in suture material. This strategy limits complications if the knots were to become loose. For severe shoulder arthritis, total shoulder replacement is a complex but effective option. The procedure can be performed with MIS while avoiding damage to the rotator cuff muscles. With total shoulder replacement, the ball and socket joint are removed and replaced with a more mobile prosthesis. Overall, MIS is an efficient and effective way to address the many challenges of the shoulder.
Get hip to a new joint
Hip pain due to arthritis or injury can be debilitating, limiting mobility. The pain is often difficult to treat non-surgically. However, MIS ensures that there is reduced trauma to the large muscles that surround the joint. MIS also allows surgeons to address hip issues from various angles, including anterior, posterior, and lateral means. These approaches limit muscle damage and speed up recovery. A total hip replacement can be performed with less pain and complications. Robotics can also design and fit the new joint, limiting blood loss and postoperative pain.
Make the right decision for your joints
In all major joint challenges, MIS can also provide support. The smaller incisions mean a faster recovery, less discomfort, and less damage to soft tissues. MIS also reduces complications, which are typical in joint injuries and surgeries. These procedures continue to innovate, with robotics, advanced imaging, and 3D mapping increasing accuracy and improving outcomes. If joint surgery is on the horizon, ask an orthopedic surgeon if MIS is available and enjoy all the benefits.
