Minimally Invasive Surgery

About Minimally Invasive Surgery | Benefits

Several weeks of recovery may be required for traditional “open” surgery as it may involve a three-inch long incision, in which muscles and tissues are separated for optimal access to the injury site. The surgery usually results in trauma to surrounding tissues and some blood loss. Because of this the affected tissues and muscles need adequate healing time.

Orthopedic Institute uses state of the art minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation to help patients recover in a shorter period of time and allow for a quicker return home. Innovative developments in minimally invasive techniques have pioneered better ways for the surgeon to access the parts of the body.

Surgeons now use special scopes fitted with cameras and cutting tools to access surgical sites. While it involves more training for the surgeon to use this new instrumentation and techniques, it is of great benefit to the patient.

Minimally invasive surgery relates to all orthopedic areas, but most recently, there have been recent advances especially in the areas of joint replacement and spine surgery. In minimally invasive spine surgery, a smaller incision is made, sometimes only a half-inch in length. The surgeon inserts special surgical instruments through these tiny incisions to access the damaged disc in the spine. Entry and repair to the damaged disc or vertebrae is achieved without harming nearby muscles and tissues when using minimally invasive techniques.

Benefits of minimally invasive spine include:

• Smaller incision and smaller scar

• Less damage to tissues and muscles

• Less blood loss

• Less post-operative pain

• Less painful recovery

• Quicker return to activity

The patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery at Orthopedic Institute can often have their surgery on an outpatient basis and be home later the same day. Recovery in one’s own home can be more comfortable than staying in a hospital bed.

BMP: A better option when fusion is necessary

Oftentimes, bone is harvested from the hip of a patient during traditional fusion procedures. Unfortunately, this process may cause additional pain and discomfort. BMP, also known as “bone morphogenetic protein”, is a new bone-growth substance that eliminates the need for cutting bone from a person’s hip.

Trace protein extracts are found in bones and are required for the bone to heal or regenerate. A sufficient amount of the protein must be available in order to begin bone formation. Scientists have developed a usable form of BMP that is now being used in place of bone harvested from a patient’s hip. This bone graft is made from pure bone protein (minerals and collagen) and absorbable collagen sponge that promotes new bone formation. Studies show that the positive results achieved from surgery using BMP equal that of an autograft procedure (in which bone is taken from the hip).

NO PHYSICIAN REFERRAL IS NEEDED UNLESS REQUIRED BY YOUR INSURANCE

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