The WSJ report notes that, when done properly, MIS techniques cause less pain and encourage speedier recoveries, however, this is not always the case. And while there are no long-term studies comparing outcomes of MIS joint replacement with those of open replacement, some short-term studies are raising questions:
Researchers at Stanford University, in a recent study of minimally invasive hip surgeries, found a relatively high rate 9 percent of “major complications,” including broken bones, nerve injuries and “reoperation for leg-length discrepancy.” The study is awaiting publication in the Journal of Arthroplasty
Another study reported that in 32 minimally invasive surgeries, there were more bone injuries and “significantly higher” numbers of “outliers” — patients with knees improperly aligned — than in standard operations
Experts say in the story that surgeons have not yet entirely caught up to the learning curve of the new techniques and technologies. Read the full story.
