Total Hip Replacement THR and Total Knee Replacement TKR are very successful surgical treatment for arthritis of the hip and knee respectively.
Over the last several years hip and knee replacement surgery has evolved to a Minimally Invasive technique.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement are
- Less tissue trauma – muscles and tendons are avoided or separated, not cut
- Faster and less painful rehabilitation
- Smaller incisions and less scarring – two incisions of 1½ to 2 inches each, rather than one 10- to 12-inch incision
- Shorter hospital stay – 1-2 days (vs. 3-5 days); some patients go home in less than 24 hours
- Reduced blood loss and less need for pre-surgery blood donation
- Faster return to work and daily activities
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Incisions
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Incisions
Minimally Invasive Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures can be very advantageous in the hand and upper extremity. Arthoscopic procedures within the hand, wrist, elbow, or shoulder can allow better visualization of pathology and limit dissection. This can shorten recovery and improve outcomes in the appropriate patient. SDOA surgeons are skilled in arthroscopic procedures of the upper extremity. We are skilled in other minimally invasive surgical techniques such as percutaneous needle aponeurotmy for Dupuytren’s Contracture which has been a very successful surgical alternative for this problem.
