There are many orthopedic techniques and procedures that can help treat various conditions and injuries. Traditional orthopedic surgery has long been used in medicine. However, it often involves making large incisions in the body, leading to pain, swelling, and a longer recovery time. In recent years, minimally invasive orthopedic procedures have become increasingly popular as a just as effective and less invasive alternative to traditional surgery.
Let’s learn more about these procedures and where you can go for faster recovery from orthopedic injuries in San Antonio, TX.
What Does Minimally Invasive Mean?
Minimally invasive orthopedic procedures are surgical techniques that use small incisions to access the affected body areas. These procedures can offer several advantages over traditional surgery, including less pain, shorter recovery time, and a lower risk of complications.
How Does Minimally Invasive Differ from Traditional Procedures?
Traditional open procedures are those that require large incisions to access the affected area of the body. This can lead to more pain, swelling, and a longer recovery time. Additionally, traditional surgery often has a higher risk of complications.
On the other hand, minimally invasive procedures use smaller incisions and specialized instruments to access the affected body area. This causes less pain, swelling and a shorter recovery time. Unlike traditional surgery, minimally invasive procedures also often have a lower risk of complications.
The Benefits of Minimally Invasive Procedures
Many people often prefer minimally invasive procedures due to these benefits:
- Less pain: Patients who have undergone minimally invasive procedures report feeling less pain. This is because these techniques use smaller incisions and precise instruments that cause less tissue damage, inflammation, and less pain.
- Shorter recovery time: Minimally invasive procedures typically require less recovery time than traditional open procedures, so patients can return to their normal activities much sooner.
- Lower risk of complications: Minimally invasive procedures are associated with a lower risk of complications, such as infection and blood clots.
If you’re considering surgery for an injury or condition, it may be a good idea to talk to your orthopedic doctor to see if these minimally invasive procedures are viable options for you.
Common Minimally Invasive Procedures and Techniques
There are many different types of minimally invasive orthopedic procedures, each designed to treat a specific condition or injury. Orthopedic doctors are trained to use these techniques to provide patients with the best possible care. Here are some of the most common minimally invasive procedures and techniques to treat various orthopedic injuries and conditions:
Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small camera to view the inside of a joint. It is often used to diagnose and treat arthritis, torn cartilage, and loose bodies. With this procedure, your orthopedic doctor will be able to diagnose better and determine the best treatment for your needs.
How it goes:
The orthopedic surgeon makes a small incision in the skin and inserts a thin tube with a camera on the end. The camera sends images to a video monitor, which allows the surgeon to see inside the joint. The surgeon can then use other instruments inserted through the incisions to perform the necessary procedures.
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
This procedure is a minimally invasive alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery. It’s often used to treat damaged hip joints by replacing them with a new artificial joint. This procedure is often used to treat severe arthritis or other conditions that cause pain and stiffness in the hip.
How it goes:
To perform minimally invasive hip replacement, the orthopedic surgeon will make several small incisions in the skin around the hip. The surgeon will then use specialized instruments to remove the damaged cartilage and bone from the hip. The new artificial joint is then inserted into the hip and attached to the bone.
Advanced Minimally Invasive and Techniques
To successfully carry out these surgical procedures, different specialized instruments are used. Advancements in medical technology and equipment make it now possible to see what needs to be done within with just small incisions. These techniques are what make it possible to carry out the procedures we mentioned above:
Robotic-Assisted Surgery
Robotic-assisted surgery is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses a robotic arm to perform the procedure. The robotic arm is controlled by the orthopedic surgeon, who sits at a console and operates the arm using a joystick. This allows the surgeon to make very precise movements with the robotic arm, which can be helpful in complex procedures.
Computer-Assisted Surgery
This specialized technique is a type of minimally invasive surgery that uses computer software to help the surgeon plan and perform the procedure. The orthopedic surgeon uses a computer to create a 3D model of the patient’s anatomy and then uses the software to plan the procedure. During the surgery, the surgeon uses a computer-guided device to help them make precise movements.
Both Robotic-Assisted and Computer-Assisted Surgery are often used for minimally invasive total knee replacement and minimally invasive total hip replacement. They can also be used by your surgeon for other procedures, such as minimally invasive spinal fusion and minimally invasive carpal tunnel release.
Orthopedic Center in San Antonio, TX
Are you looking for an orthopedic center near you? At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, we offer the best patient-centered services. With advanced training and experience, our orthopedic doctors can provide you with personalized services, including non-surgical and surgical therapy options such as minimally invasive arthroscopy. These board-certified surgeons are dedicated to providing patient-centered services, including non-surgical and complex surgical procedures.
If you would like to arrange a consultation with one of our orthopedic specialists in San Antonio, contact us now at (210) 692-7400 or simply use our online appointment request form.
