Need Joint Replacement? Invasive Surgery Not the Only Option

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Oct. 30, 2016 - PRLog -- Need a joint replacement?  In the past this called for a long surgery with an even lengthier recovery time.  Not anymore.  Surgeons now have minimally invasive options available to them and their patients through orthobiologics.  One of these procedures performed by Dr. Bright McConnell, III at Charleston Sports Medicine is subchondroplasty as an alternative to joint replacement.

Subchondroplasty is a minimally-invasive surgery that targets and treats subchondral defects associated with chronic Bone Marrow Lesions (BML), an often-painful defect of the spongy cancellous bone that underlies and supports the cartilage of the joint.  Many patients delay or avoid progressing to more-invasive procedures such as total joint replacement.

Some quick facts about Subchondroplasty include:
— Utilizes a minimally invasive technique
— Performed in a outpatient setting
— Requires a short rehabilitation period
— Future treatment options, such as total knee replacement, remain open

Despite negative x-rays and physical examination, when Bone Marrow Lesions (BMLs) are the cause of pain, the minimally invasive Subchondroplasty Procedure may relieve the pain.

Patients may be a candidate for the procedure if:
— Symptomatic knee pain for 3+ months
— Discomfort when walking or standing
— Limited benefits from NSAIDs, bracing, injections or physical therapy
— Symptoms that returned after an arthroscopy

The procedure is usually performed along with arthroscopy (image guided) of the affected joint, allowing Dr. McConnell to see and treat lesions inside the joint that may also be causing pain. Subchondroplasty is a mini-open procedure that provides patients a treatment option between conservative therapies and surgical intervention, such as joint replacement.

At Charleston Sports Medicine, Bright McConnell, III, MD (http://www.charlestonsportsmed.com/dr-mcconnell) combines traditional orthopedics with cutting-edge techniques in regenerative medicine. Coupling his extensive sports medicine (http://www.charlestonsportsmed.com/services/sports-medici...) experience with the latest minimally invasive treatments, he provides patients a unique scope of options.  http://www.charlestonsportsmed.com/