Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Minimally Invasive Surgery in Atlanta, GA

Orthopaedics and orthopaedic surgery have advanced significantly in recent years, with innovative procedures providing numerous advantages over the traditional open surgery. Sports medicine has benefited from minimally invasive surgical procedures, with arthroscopy potentially affording for reduced post-operative recovery period, minimized scarring, and less blood loss during the surgery. Because of the small incisions, and resulting reduced trauma, patients are able to return to previous levels of activity more quickly when compared to open surgery.

When surgical intervention is indicated, minimally invasive surgery is preferable to open surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon, Dr. David Fowler, can assist you in understanding the potential benefits and concerns of minimally invasive surgery and determine whether you are a candidate for the procedure.

Find out about Dr. Fowler's Atlanta, GA Office »

Minimally Invasive Shoulder Surgery

Minimally invasive shoulder surgery is most commonly used to treat sports injuries, including rotator cuff tears, SLAP (labral) tears, and shoulder impingement syndrome. These arthroscopic procedures are performed utilizing an arthroscope, a tiny fiber-optic camera, which sends real-time images from within the joint to a computer screen. The surgeon inserts operating instruments into small incisions near the shoulder joint to repair tissue, ligaments, or remove loose pieces of cartilage and bone.

Arthroscopic surgery provides the following potential benefits:

• Reduced post-operative pain
• Reduced risk of surgical complication
• Minimized scarring
• Can be performed on an out-patient basis

Read more about arthroscopic procedures »

Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery

Minimally invasive knee surgery typically refers to arthroscopic procedures, but also includes joint replacement procedures such as partial knee resurfacing. Minimally invasive knee arthroscopy is most often performed to treat pathologies including ACL tears, meniscal tears, and cartilage microfractures. Partial knee resurfacing (PKR) is an ideal solution for younger patients suffering from osteoarthritis that has not spread beyond a single compartment in the knee. PKR preserves more of the natural bone compared to total knee replacement, giving the replacement implant a more natural feel.

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

With procedures including hip arthroscopy, osteotomy, and direct anterior approach to hip replacement, hip surgery can be performed in a minimally invasive manner. Hip arthroscopy is usually performed to remove loose fragments of bone or cartilage. Hip osteotomy, which involves cutting a bone to correct an improperly healing fracture, is most often performed on patients during the early stage of arthritis, and can delay the need for a hip replacement surgery for 10 to 20 years. Direct anterior approach to hip replacement affords for significantly smaller scars in comparison to traditional hip replacement (3-4 inch incision, compared to 8-12 inch incision), and can often allow the patient to immediately move their hips (contingent on the surgeon's advice).

Minimally Invasive Surgery Expert in Atlanta, GA

Dr. Fowler is an advocate of non-surgical alternative treatments, including Pilates and tai chi, as a solution for musculoskeletal problems. When these solutions cannot sufficiently alleviate joint pain, surgical intervention may be indicated. In these cases, Dr. Fowler prefers minimally invasive means that provide numerous benefits to the patient beyond traditional open surgery.

Schedule an appointment with Atlanta, GA's Capital City Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine to find the best solution for your joint pain.