What is minimally invasive surgery?
Minimally invasive surgery is any surgical procedure that uses small incisions instead of a large one. Using minimally invasive techniques provides the same benefits as traditional surgery with less pain and a faster recovery.
Dr. Melander specializes in minimally invasive surgery, including arthroscopy of the shoulder, knee, and hip. He also performs minimally invasive knee replacements.
Arthroscopy, or arthroscopic surgery, is a minimally invasive technique that allows Dr. Melander to look inside your joint through a buttonhole-sized incision. He inserts an arthroscope through the incision. The scope has a light and camera that send magnified images of the inside of your joint to a monitor.
When would I need minimally invasive surgery?
Anytime surgery is necessary, Dr. Melander uses the least-invasive technique possible. He may use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a broad range of joint problems, such as:
- Rotator cuff tears
- Shoulder impingement syndrome
- Shoulder instability
- Meniscus tears
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears
- Hip and shoulder labral tears
- Cysts
- Loose pieces of bone or cartilage in the joint space
He may also use arthroscopy to determine the underlying cause of your shoulder, knee, or hip pain. If he finds a problem during diagnostic arthroscopy, Dr. Melander can usually fix it in the same procedure.
Knee replacements don’t use arthroscopy. Instead, Dr. Melander uses minimally invasive techniques that allow him to perform the same procedure with smaller incisions than he would need with a traditional knee replacement.
What are the advantages of minimally invasive surgery?
Because minimally invasive surgery uses smaller incisions, it causes less tissue damage and reduced blood loss compared to traditional surgery. Other benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:
- Less scarring
- Shorter recovery time
- Less pain
- Faster return to normal activities
Additionally, Dr. Melander usually performs arthroscopy as an outpatient procedure. That means you don’t have to stay in the hospital, which saves you time and money.
However, minimally invasive surgery is not right for everyone. Dr. Melander carefully reviews your medical history and performs a physical exam to determine the most effective approach for you.
To find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you, call the practice or book an appointment online today.
