Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement

Joint replacement is a surgical procedure performed to replace the damaged joint with the artificial implants. Joint replacement is usually performed when the joint is severely damaged by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis or avascular necrosis.

Joint replacement may be considered in patients with severe pain which is not relieved through medications, injections, physical therapy, or other treatments. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore the normal functioning of the joint. Joint replacement can be performed through an open or minimally invasive approach.

A minimally invasive approach has been developed in recent years where surgery is performed through one or two smaller incisions rather than the single long incision as in the traditional approach. The advantages of minimally invasive joint replacement as compared with traditional joint replacement may include:

• Smaller incisions
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less trauma to the surrounding tissues
• Quicker recovery
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Faster rehabilitation
• Minimal post-operative pain