How Effective Is Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery?
People often think bigger is better. However, that’s definitely not the case when it comes to surgical procedures.
In the past, surgeons needed to create large incisions in order to see, access, and correct issues inside the body. But times have changed thanks to advancements in technology.
Dr. Thomas F. Saylor has more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic medicine and surgery. Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Saylor has stayed abreast of the latest medical technology and procedures.
Now, Dr. Saylor turns to minimally invasive techniques whenever possible at Orthopaedic Care Specialists. See why these approaches are so effective and how Dr. Saylor uses them at his practice in North Palm Beach, Florida.
How minimally invasive surgery works
As you might suspect, “minimally invasive” indicates less trauma to your body — mainly, much smaller incisions. But how can a surgeon accomplish the same procedure without a large incision?
It comes down to technological advancements, including specialized surgical tools.
When performing minimally invasive surgery, Dr. Saylor makes a few small incisions. Then, he inserts a thin tube with a tiny light and 3D camera connected to an external monitor.
This device allows Dr. Saylor to see the surgical site in real-time without the need for a large incision. He can even use a special device, known as an arthroscope, to “see” inside joints within your body.
And this advanced technology doesn’t stop there. In addition to devices with cameras and lights, Dr. Saylor has special instruments designed for this type of work.
These innovative tools make it possible for Dr. Saylor to perform even the most complex procedure without the need for a large incision.
The benefits of minimally invasive surgery
No one ever wants to undergo surgery. So, even facing one that uses smaller incisions may not seem like something to celebrate.
However, minimally invasive techniques come with numerous benefits, including:
- Less trauma to the treatment site
- Less blood loss and risk of infection
- Reduced scarring
- Shorter — if any — hospital stay
- Fewer complications
Minimally invasive procedures also offer faster recovery times. In fact, many approaches can shorten a recovery that would’ve taken weeks with traditional methods down to a few days.
They also come with better outcomes for obese patients, elderly individuals, and people with chronic pain issues.
Types of minimally invasive surgery
Surgeons use minimally invasive techniques for a variety of procedures all over the body, from the adrenal glands and brain to organ transplants, spinal surgery, and joint replacement.
At Orthopaedic Care Specialists, Dr. Saylor relies on minimally invasive approaches for issues involving the upper extremities, including your hands and wrists, elbows, and shoulders.
A few orthopedic problems Dr. Saylor can often correct with minimally invasive surgery include:
- SLAP lesions
- Rotator cuff tears
- Bicep tendon tears
- Arthritis
- Removing loose bodies or cysts
- Ligament tightening
- Tendon reattachment
- Joint dislocation
- Fractures
- Nerve decompression, including carpal tunnel release
However, Dr. Saylor can offer personalized treatment options after performing a comprehensive assessment.
Do you have an upper extremity issue? Contact Orthopaedic Care Specialists to learn more about your treatment options, including minimally invasive surgery, by calling 561-260-5993 or messaging us through our website today.