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Over
the past three years, there has been an explosion of interest in Minimally
Invasive or Less Invasive hip and knee replacement. I would like to explain
these techniques briefly and in the process separate fact from fiction. My goal as an adult reconstructive surgeon is to restore arthritic hips, knees and shoulders to functional, pain free motion. Often this requires partial or complete joint replacement. When a patient is facing surgery, one of their goals is to have the procedure performed be as “minimally invasive” to their life as possible. They would like the procedure to be performed in a way that allows for a rapid recovery in as safe a manner as possible. To this end, we are continuing to modify and improve the techniques of hip and knee replacement. Currently, there are surgical techniques and instruments under development and in use that allow for Less Invasive surgery. Minimally Invasive Hip replacement can be performed through two small two to three inch incisions or one four to five inch incision depending on the surgeon’s experience and preference. 
Both surgical approaches have advantages over the traditionally larger incisions by creating less muscle and soft tissue trauma. This can lead to less post-operative discomfort and a quicker functional recovery. The same proven implants are used in these techniques. Traditional hip replacement surgery has evolved to a very high success rate (>90%) and it is critical that the surgeon not compromise the outcome by struggling through a smaller incision. This need has lead to the development of new instruments and the incorporation of Computer Assistance to accurately guide the placement of the implants in a smaller space. The same is true for Total and partial or Unicompartmental Knee Replacement. Smaller incisions and so called “quadriceps sparing” techniques are incorporated to speed recovery and reduce pain. I use the Ci computer assistance system routinely in Knee Replacement surgery. My goal is to provide my patients what they all want- a safe and rapid return to an active life by using the latest and most sophisticated tools and techniques. Learn more about Unicompartmental Knee Replacement. |
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