Minimally Invasive Surgery

Orthopedic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is the preferred surgical approach for many orthopedic conditions, including ACL tears, meniscal tears, and rotator cuff repairs, as well as hip or knee replacements. Minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed through small incisions, benefiting the patient by potentially providing less postoperative pain, a shorter hospital stay, less scarring, and quicker recovery. This approach also benefits patients that are restricted from undergoing open surgery for musculoskeletal pain relief.

Open Surgery vs. Minimally Invasive Surgery

In certain cases of joint replacement, the traditional method of performing orthopedic surgery often involves long incisions through the skin, muscles, and bones. Recovery for traditional open surgery can be painful and typically lasts for several weeks. Because of these post-operative complications, patients cannot always resume their normal activities as quickly as with other methods of treatment.

Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Surgery

Minimally invasive surgical procedures are performed using a small camera and special lighting system that allows the surgeon to view the joint from within. The camera, known as an arthroscope, transmits detailed video to a monitor, which is used throughout the procedure. Special instruments are placed through other small incisions to repair the affected joint.

When surgery is necessary, minimally invasive surgery is the preferred approach; however, not every patient is a candidate. Only an orthopedic surgeon can determine if it is appropriate for the procedure to be performed. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Kruse to determine if minimally invasive surgery is a treatment option for your joint pain.

Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery

Knee arthroscopy is the most common form of minimally invasive knee surgery. Common uses of knee arthroscopy include: removal or repair of torn meniscus cartilage, reconstruction of the ACL, trimming or shaving of torn pieces of articular cartilage, and removal of inflamed synovial tissues.

In this procedure, the orthopaedic surgeon will view the inside of the knee joint through a small camera, diagnose severity, and determine the proper approach for treatment. If arthroscopy surgery is the best option, the orthopaedic surgeon will insert special instruments through additional incisions to remove or repair the damaged tissue.

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

Knee replacement surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive manner, and in certain cases, on an outpatient basis. One procedure, partial knee replacement surgery, provides a solution for patients affected by arthritis in only one compartment of the knee. Salvaging more of the natural knee, partial knee replacement focuses on replacing and resurfacing only the damaged portions of the knee. Implants are much smaller, and the procedure does not disturb the knee’s healthy tissues.

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

Though it is not as common as knee or shoulder arthroscopy, hip arthroscopy has been safely performed for years. Hip arthroscopy may be indicated for patients that suffer from hip pain and do not respond to non-surgical treatments. Non-surgical treatments include: resting, therapy, medications, or injections to reduce inflammation and pain. Hip arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many conditions that damage the labrum, articular cartilage, and any other soft tissue in the area.

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery has seen a number of advancements since its introduction to the United States in the 1960’s. Traditionally, total hip replacement is performed as an open surgery, which requires large incisions that rupture muscle or tendons, lengthening the recovery period and causing significant post-operative pain. Today, a number of minimally invasive techniques exist that allow orthopedic surgeons to perform the operation through small incisions, such as the direct anterior approach and the direct lateral approach to hip surgery. These procedures result in a significantly reduced amount of tissue damage and scarring. Minimally invasive hip replacement allows patients to return to their active lifestyles much quicker in comparison to traditional total hip replacement.