Moving joints like the knee and hip play an important role in connecting bones and allowing range of movement, and this makes them vulnerable to injury. However, people with joint injuries now have several treatment options available to them, including minimally invasive joint replacement. This type of surgery is often preferred, because the recovery time is faster.
Minimally invasive joint replacement uses specialized instruments and techniques to replace diseased joints.
Benefits
During minimally invasive joint replacement, surgeons adopt a more direct approach to surgery, which allows them easier access to the joints. With this procedure they don’t have to cut the tendons, so there is less damage to the soft tissue. Since the tendons are left intact the recovery time is shorter, and rehabilitation is faster and less painful (learn more).
Using smaller incisions also means that there is less disruption of the tissue, and also minimal scarring. When minimally invasive techniques are used the incisions are shorter, about 1½ to 2 inches in length, while traditional surgery requires incisions that are 10 to 12 inches long.
Shorter incisions also help to minimize blood loss. In addition, patients can resume work and other activities much quicker, when compared with traditional surgery. In some cases patients can be out of the hospital in less than 24 hours.
Best Candidates
Candidates for minimally invasive joint surgery should be in good health, and at a healthy weight. The operation is not recommended for people who are obese, or for older patients.
If you are interested in finding out more about minimally invasive joint replacement options, contact Dr. Frank McCormick in Fort Lauderdale at (954)-640-6010. Dr. McCormick will do a thorough evaluation of your condition and review the risks and benefits of less invasive surgery, before making a recommendation.