Do you have an orthopaedic injury that requires treatment, but the prospect of surgery is a bit frightening? You’re not alone — many people are reluctant to consider surgery, even in the face of a debilitating ailment.
Traditional open surgery can be invasive, and can also take significantly longer to recover from than minimally invasive or laparoscopic surgery. Fortunately, there are ways to treat many orthopaedic injuries without the need for traditional, open surgery.
Today, we will go over what to expect when you undergo minimally invasive surgery.
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What Is Minimally Invasive Surgery?
Minimally Invasive Surgery reduces discomfort and recovery time associated with more typical open surgery through minimal incisions. You can achieve this through the use of tools and endoscopic devices. The inherent advantages of such procedures include less pain, a quick recovery time, and minimal scarring.
What To Expect From Minimally Invasive Surgery
Before undergoing minimally invasive surgery, it’s natural to be nervous and curious about what will happen. Let’s go over what you can expect with minimally invasive vs traditional surgery.
#1. You Can Expect Less Pain
People who undergo this type of surgery can expect less pain than those who undergo traditional open surgery. That might be surprising to some, but it’s true. Incisions are far smaller and more localized, meaning there is less cutting, stitching, and healing time. And because there is less pressure put on the wound during the surgery, there is usually much less pain involved.
#2. You Can Expect Minimal Scarring
You may not think this affects you at all, but it does. It can be a big deal because the more visible the scar, the more self-conscious a person may become about their body. So if you’re looking to avoid seeing a large scar in the mirror every day, then minimally invasive surgery might be the right option.
#3. You Can Expect Faster Recovery Time
When compared to open surgeries, people who undergo minimally invasive surgery recover considerably faster. They will experience less pain and less stitching, which means it takes a lot less time to heal after surgery.
Compared to open surgeries, people who undergo minimally invasive surgeries can return to regular life activities sooner after their procedure is complete.
Large amounts of tissue no longer need to be removed thanks to minimally invasive procedures that use laparoscopic cameras and other small, specialized equipment. Smaller incisions are less painful, and they also heal more quickly.
#4. You Can Expect A Shorter Hospital Stay
Another thing to keep in mind is that you’ll be spending less time in the hospital. Since your recovery time is faster, your hospital stay will be shorter. Many patients can go home after only one night spent in the hospital.
#5. You Can Expect Lowered Risk
Minimally invasive procedures are widely considered to be a better option than traditional open surgery, and have replaced many traditional surgery techniques in OR’s across the world. That means you’ll have the same outcomes as if you were undergoing open surgery but with reduced risks involved.
During MIS, there is a much lower risk of infection. That’s in part because the incision is minimal, and the healing time required to keep the wound open is heavily reduced as well.
Finding the Right Orthopedic Surgeon
At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, our surgeons are well-experienced and specialize in treating various orthopedic injuries, including sports injuries. Our trained staff and experienced surgeons offer the best possible treatment and utmost care to each individual.
You may need a joint replacement for a number of reasons such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, or even a sports injury. These conditions lead to considerable pain, as well as a limited range of motion. At Thunder Basin Orthopaedics, we will work with you to evaluate whether you are a good candidate for a joint replacement by looking at your medical history as well as performing a physical exam and taking x-rays.
If you are ready to take the first steps towards pain-free joints, please request an appointment with us today.