Minimally Invasive Total Knee and Hip Replacements

In minimally invasive joint replacement surgery, the same artificial hip and knee devices are used as in traditional knee and hip replacement surgery.  However, the minimally invasive procedure involves making smaller incisions and less muscular dissection.  The advantages of the minimally invasive procedure include a lower infection rate, a smaller risk of implants popping apart after surgery, less pain, a shorter hospital stay and a lower hospital readmission rate. 

In addition, muscle power returns faster with this type of surgery. Patients are able to begin walking without walkers or crutches much more quickly than those who have an open surgical procedure. The time for a full recovery is shortened to about six weeks, down from three months.

Arthroscopic Surgery

Arthroscopic surgery involves the use of a special camera attached to a long, narrow surgical telescope through which the surgeon visualizes the inside of a joint. Working through small incisions, the surgeon uses specially created instruments to repair damaged cartilage, capsule, tendon, and other tissues. With new technology and refined techniques, arthroscopic surgery has become quite common in treating many knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, ankle, and foot problems.  This is generally an ambulatory procedure with no hospital stay required.

Arthroscopy of the Rotator Cuff

Arthroscopic treatment of the rotator cuff allows surgeons to fix relatively small tears by inserting anchors, passing sutures and tying knots.

Arthroscopy of the Ankle and Foot

Arthroscopic surgery of the foot or ankle joint may be used to confirm a diagnosis or to perform a surgical procedure. 

Endoscopic Plantar Fasciotomy

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common foot problems.  In general, this condition responds to one of several available conservative treatments, but when these treatments fail, the remaining option is surgical intervention for the release of the fascia. Endoscopic plantar fasciotomy is a minimally invasive and minimally traumatic surgical treatment for chronic plantar fasciitis.  As with other forms of minimally invasive surgery, complications are reduced in comparison with traditional open procedures. Patients are able to return to regular activities sooner and with less pain and discomfort than with other techniques.

Advanced Reconstructive Surgery of the Foot

Podiatric surgeons are trained to address pain and discomfort in the feet and ankles with reconstructive surgical techniques when conservative treatment, such as protective padding, is insufficient.  Advanced reconstructive foot surgery can correct conditions that are congenital, caused by improper footwear, physical stress, accidents, infections, disease or arthritis.  These conditions include sprains, fractures, bunions, warts, corns and flat feet.  Foot surgery is nearly always performed on an outpatient basis.

This is one of the most common foot problems.  In general, this condition responds to one of several available conservative treatments, but when these treatments fail, the remaining option is surgical intervention for the release of the fascia.

For more information, please call 718.246.8700.