What Is Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery or Arthroscopy?
Most minimally invasive surgeries involve the use of small incisions that serve as ports for special instruments during the procedure, which can be half an inch long or less. One of those ports in your joint will provide access for an arthroscope—hence, the name “arthroscopy”—, a narrow tube with a lighted camera at the end that projects images to a screen. Your surgeons will use those images as a guide during the surgery.
As opposed to traditional open procedures, this approach minimizes skin cuts and produces less trauma to the body. As a result, there is reduced potential for pain, complications and recovery time. However, they require more time than open surgery, as well as some preparation in advance, which is why they aren’t performed during emergencies, for example.
🏃♀️ Related Content: Push Through the Pain? Learn What Do about an Injured Joint
Types of Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Procedures Available in Georgia
-
- Shoulder arthroscopy. When treatments like injections or physical therapy aren’t helping with your shoulder pain, Dr. Ashford might recommend a shoulder arthroscopy, which can treat:
- Labrum tears
- Rotator cuff tears
- Ligament issues
- Shoulder dislocation
- Tendon tears and releases
Most hip arthroscopies take around an hour and a half, but it depends on the patient’s unique needs. Because it is an outpatient procedure, patients usually go home on the same day.
- Knee arthroscopy. As with hip arthroscopy, it is performed when other nonsurgical methods have proven not to be enough. It is used for:
- Meniscus removal, repair or transplantation
- Reconstruct a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) or PCL (posterior cruciate ligament)
- Remove inflamed synovial tissue
- Trim or reconstruct damaged cartilage
- Remove loose cartilage or bone fragments
- Treat kneecap problems
- Treat knee sepsis (infection)
Like shoulder arthroscopy, it is an outpatient surgery as well.
About the Procedure: Before, During, and After
Preparing for Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery in Georgia
Before your arthroscopy, you will have a consultation with the team where they will ask you about your health history. Please note that you should bring in a complete medication list. They might recommend that you stop taking some of your medications a few days before your surgery.
At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, our team may also ask you to:
- Stop smoking, which makes it harder for your body to heal after surgery.
- Reduce your alcohol intake because it thins your blood, which increases danger during and after your surgery.
- Fast for 12 hours.
To check your health before your procedure, they may also order:
- Blood tests.
- A chest X-ray.
- Electrocardiogram.
What Happens During Minimally Invasive Surgery?
The different types or arthroscopies will require different steps, but there are some general similarities between them:
- Your doctor might recommend administering local anesthesia to numb the pain during the procedure.
- He or she will then make small incisions through which the arthroscope and the tiny surgical tools will be inserted.
- With an arthroscope, the surgeon will be guided as he or she works on your damaged joint with the tiny surgical tools.
🏃♀️ Related content: Rotator Cuff Repair vs. Shoulder Replacement
Recovering from Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is usually an outpatient surgery, so you will go home the same day. However, Dr. Ashford warns patients that they will not be able to drive themselves home, so they should enlist the help of someone who can help them go back home.
As for post-care, joints take from weeks to months to fully heal, and you may feel pain and notice swelling for some days/weeks. It is very important that you keep the incisions clean and covered. Depending on the joint that has been operated on, there are different post-care recommendations.
Hip Arthroscopy
- Avoid putting pressure or weight on your hip—try not to sleep on that side.
- Take showers instead of baths.
- Wear a brace for around three weeks.
- Dr. Dunlap might recommend using crutches for a few weeks.
Knee Arthroscopy
- Keep your leg in an elevated position as much as possible for the first few days.
- Crutches help healing because they help the patient not put weight or pressure on the knees.
Ultimately, your recovery will depend on the procedure you have had and other health factors that are unique to you. Because of this, it is imperative that you follow Dr. Dunlap’s personalized recommendations after surgery and follow her healing plan.
Minimally Invasive Surgery in Georgia
At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we are dedicated to providing exceptional care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking diagnosis, treatment, or therapy for a sports injury, our team combines expertise and cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques to help you regain mobility and independence.
Welcome to Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, where we are devoted to keeping you strong, one step at a time.
