In more and more instances, surgeons are performing minimally invasive surgery on the knee and shoulder instead of traditional open surgery. These surgeries are performed in a fashion that preserves more healthy muscles, ligaments and tendons to lessen the impact of the procedure on the body. A host of knee and shoulder surgeries can now be performed using this technique, ranging from ACL reconstructions and total knee replacements to labral repairs and total shoulder replacements.
When compared to a traditional open surgery approach, the benefits of minimally invasive surgery include smaller incisions, reduced post-operative pain, less bleeding, faster recovery times and reduced risk of complications. However, the advantages can vary from procedure to procedure. Your doctor will be able to explain in detail whether your specific condition can benefit from this approach.