ONS orthopaedic surgeons and neurosurgeons are using minimally invasive techniques to diagnose and treat many types of bone and joint problems that previously could only be done through open incisions. Most minimally invasive orthopaedic surgeries are performed using an arthroscope inserted through a tiny incision. This special slender tool can be used to look inside the joint for purposes of diagnosis or to treat a problem.

Using small incisions and miniaturized instruments, neurosurgeons treat a variety of spine-related problems. With minimally invasive techniques, the least amount of tissue is disrupted, while achieving the same surgical objectives as open surgeries.

The benefits of minimally invasive surgery include:

• Smaller incision that causes less scarring
• Significantly less pain after surgery
• Faster recovery and return to normal activities
• Many procedures can be performed on an outpatient basis,  requiring no hospital stay

Find out more about minimally invasive surgery in orthopedics and neurosurgery.