Minimally Invasive and Robotic Orthopaedic Surgery 

Advances in modern medical technology have allowed surgeons to perform complex procedures with smaller incisions and greater precision, which benefits patients greatly. 
Orthopaedic surgery doesn’t always have to lead to long recovery times and unsightly scarring. The evolution of minimally invasive surgery and the development of robotic systems have redefined what it means to be on the “cutting edge” of medical science these days. Many procedures can now be completed with just a few small incisions that will heal in days, rather than weeks, and this offers multiple benefits for patients who undergo them. 

Conditions Treated by Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery 

With the assistance of a laparoscope, which is a tool fitted with a fiber-optic camera that can pass through very small incisions, surgeons can see everything they need to operate on without performing open surgery. Robotic-assisted surgery, such as that which is performed with the da Vinci® Surgical System, takes this a step further by putting the surgeon in control of a machine that can make extremely small incisions with unmatched precision and dexterity. 

Arthroscopy, which is performed with a fiber optic camera, is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions affecting the joints, such as: 

• Scarring 
• Ligament tears 
• Cartilage damage 
• Inflammation of joint linings 

What to Expect 

If your condition can be operated on with these advanced techniques, you’re in luck. Minimally invasive surgery, whether performed by surgeon or by a surgeon-controlled robot, means you will experience: 

• Shorter hospital stays (if any at all) and recovery times, thanks to smaller incisions and less structural damage 
• Reduced pain during and after surgery 
• Lower risk of infection, nerve damage, blood loss and other potential complications 

That does not mean that these are risk-free procedures, however. As with any surgery, there are risks including infection, excessive bleeding, nerve damage and complications from anesthesia. 

Effectiveness 

The effectiveness of any surgical procedure varies based on the patient’s condition, their overall health and the nature of the procedure itself. Many patients will be able to resume some activities within a few days and gradually increase their level of activity over several weeks. 

Tampa General Hospital offers minimally invasive and robot-assisted options for many orthopaedic surgical procedures. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons use cutting-edge technology to achieve world-class results for our patients.