Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) involves surgery preformed by entering the body through the skin, a body cavity or anatomical opening, which most often results in minimal damage to these structures and less operative trauma for the patient.  MIS is also less expensive, reduces hospitalization time, causes less pain and scarring, speeds recovery, and reduces the incidence of post-surgical complications.  For these reasons, MIS is becoming more widely adapted.

The following medical procedures are considered minimally invasive:


Arthroscopy involves a physical examination of the interior of a joint using an arthroscope, a type of endoscope that is inserted into the joint through a small incision.  These arthroscopic procedures are performed to evaluate or treat many orthopedic conditions. 
 

Fluoroscopic Guided Procedures Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique (x-rays) used to obtain real-time images of the internal structures of a patient, including long bone fractures, spinal fusions and bone biopsies.  Advanced fluoroscopy has greatly improved the accuracy of incisions and hardware placement, while minimizing tissue trauma.  New procedures incorporating the use of fluoroscopy are continually being developed.