Minimally Invasive Surgery

What is minimally invasive surgery?

Minimally invasive surgery is performed through a smaller than normal incision with less trauma to the muscles and tissues that surround the joint. The actual implants that are utilized are typically the same as with a traditional joint replacement, but by causing less soft tissue injury, there is typically less pain, quicker return to function, and shorter hospital stays. These techniques have helped allow for doing joint replacements in the outpatient (same day) setting.

What is minimally invasive knee replacement?

Minimally invasive knee replacement typically refers to the method of entering the knee joint. In a traditional knee replacement, the quadriceps tendon is split to allow the knee cap to be retracted laterally to expose the end of the femur and top of the tibia. With less invasive techniques, such as a mid-vastus, sub-vastus, or short medial parapatellar approach, many patients will experience less pain, easier range of motion, and quicker recovery than they otherwise would through a traditional exposure.

What is minimally invasive hip replacement?

There are different “approaches” to hip replacement surgery. A hip approach refers to the location of the incision and the underlying muscles that will be encountered and must be addressed to expose the hip joint. The most common approaches utilized in our area are anterior (direct anterior), anterolateral, and posterior. Through an anterior approach, the surgery is performed by entering the hip between muscles rather than cutting through muscles, which leads to less soft tissue damage and quicker recovery. Modern posterior approaches can be minimally invasive as well and can be performed through a much shorter incision than older techniques.

Who is a candidate for minimally invasive joint replacement?

Most patients are candidates for minimally invasive surgery. However, patients with significant stiffness, deformity, or prior surgeries may be better off with traditional techniques.

Minimally invasive surgery at ROC

Our joint replacement team at ROC has more experience than any other group in Northern Nevada. We have a vast experience with modern techniques and more importantly, know when and how best to utilize them.