Joint replacement surgery has walked a long journey, with the first hip replacement surgery performed in 1891 and the first total knee replacement in 1968.
However, these open surgeries require a long incision – almost 8 to 10 inches, which damages the surrounding tissues, raises the risk of complications and increases the recovery period.
This made surgeons experiment with less invasive joint replacement procedures for minimal complications, quick recovery and enhanced patient satisfaction.
Finally, two decades ago, the minimally invasive approach made its place in the joint replacement realm and soon it became a preferred choice among surgeons and patients alike.
In my long career of 20 years in Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, I have honed my skills in Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) and healed innumerable patients. I employ the MIS technique in both specialities – Knee Replacement and Hip Replacement.
What Happens During Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement Surgery?
The length of the incision reduces from 8-10 inches to only 4-6 inches. The cut to the surrounding tissues and nerves is also less, which reduces the risk of complications and improves healing.
With computer navigation, we fix the implant at the correct position, even through the small incision, and check whether the new joint is working properly before stitching the skin.
Advantages of MIS
- Minimal incision
- Less damage to the skin and surrounding soft tissues like ligaments, tendons and muscles
- Less blood loss and need for blood transfusion
- Fewer complications and risk of infection
- Less pain and discomfort after surgery
- Shorter hospital stay
- Quick ambulation (ability to walk without assistance)
- Smaller scars, which subside in a couple of weeks
- Fast recovery
- Rapid return to normal activities