Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement

Minimally invasive joint replacement surgery was introduced in the early 2000s. It began with hip replacement surgery through one or two smaller incisions—about three to five inches from the seven to ten inches or more needed for the traditional procedure. Smaller incisions and less trauma to muscles and other soft tissues were found to result in less pain and a more speedy recovery for patients. Advanced, streamlined instruments and materials were developed for use with the smaller incisions.

Today, minimally invasive procedures are also used for knee replacement. It also involves a much shorter incision on the side or top of the knee—about four inches rather than the eight or more inches required for the traditional procedure.

At Salinas Valley Memorial’s Joint Replacement Center, some orthopedic surgeons utilize new computer aided surgery technologies to guide placement and alignment of the new joint.

The Center also features a specially equipped surgical suite and a dedicated unit with spacious private rooms so that patients can receive physical and other therapies in the comfort of their home-like room.

The many advantages of the minimally invasive knee or hip replacement surgery for most patients include: less blood loss and trauma to surrounding muscles and tissues, a shorter hospital stay, earlier start of rehabilitation and a more speedy return to normal activities. In most cases, patients walk the day of surgery or the following morning if the surgery is in the afternoon. The typical hospital stay is two to three days, with some patients leaving after a single day.