The first arthroscopy (a minimally invasive surgery technique we use to see inside a joint) was performed in the early 1900's. Since then, technological advances have allowed the medical community to create new and better minimally invasive techniques to help patients heal faster with less pain.

Common arthroscopic surgeries are performed on the shoulder joint and knee joint, but those aren't the only locations arthroscopic surgery can be performed. This minimally invasive technique can also be performed on the wrist joint and ankle joint.

Not only is this type of surgery extremely beneficial for professional athletes who injure themselves and need to get back on the field, court, etc. as soon as possible, arthroscopic surgery is also beneficial for anyone who needs help repairing his or her joints. From young athletes to stay at home mothers and everyone in between, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery are massive and widespread.

The main benefit of minimally invasive surgery is that it causes less damage to the structures inside the body (i.e. soft tissue, bones, cartilage) than traditional open surgeries do. This decrease in trauma allows for a faster recovery and shorter hospital stays. Usually, with arthroscopic surgery, a hospital stay is not necessary at all. In addition, since less tissue is damaged, patients typically experience less pain during and after surgery.

Minimally invasive surgery is the wave of the future in medicine, and it's going to be exciting to see where minimally invasive surgeries will be in the next 10-20 years with new technologies (like nanotechnology) on the rise!

If you're considering any type of orthopedic surgery, ask your doctor if a minimally invasive technique is an option.

If you have any questions, please let us know. We're here to help!