Minimally Invasive Total Joint Replacement Specialist

Nathanael D. Heckmann, MD

Orthopedic Surgeon located in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA & La Canada, Glendale, CA

When you have a severely damaged or deteriorated joint that causes pain that disrupts your life, you might benefit from minimally invasive total joint replacement surgery. Nathanael Heckmann, MD, an orthopedic surgeon practicing in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, and in Glendale, California, near La Cañada, provides minimally invasive total joint replacement procedures to restore your joints, relieve your pain, and get you back to your regular activities. Call Dr. Heckmann or schedule a consultation online today for expert treatment for severe joint pain.

Minimally Invasive Total Joint Replacement Q&A

What is minimally invasive total joint replacement?

A total joint replacement restores a damaged joint by removing the worn-away surfaces and replacing them with metal and plastic prosthesis. Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons have made a large incision near the joint to complete the replacement.

Today, Dr. Heckmann uses minimally invasive surgical techniques and equipment to perform total joint replacement through smaller incisions. He can use minimally invasive techniques to replace your hip or knee.

Minimally invasive surgery causes less physical trauma to your surrounding bone, muscle, and connective tissue. It reduces blood loss, as well as your risk of scarring and infection. Generally, patients have a less painful and more rapid recovery after a minimally invasive total joint replacement.

Why would I need minimally invasive total joint replacement?

Some of the signs you might need a total joint replacement include:

Pain that reduces your mobility
Inability to complete daily tasks (e.g. putting on shoes, etc)
Pain that keeps you awake at night
Tests show advanced joint damage
Pain and other limitations that affect your mental and emotional health

Minimally invasive total joint replacement isn’t a first-line response to joint pain. Dr. Heckmann often tries other less invasive therapies to heal your joint and reduce your pain. However, when your joint doesn’t respond to nonsurgical treatment, Dr. Heckmann reviews your surgical options and answers your questions so you can make the best choice.

What happens during minimally invasive total joint replacement?

While you’re under general anesthesia, Dr. Heckmann makes an incision over your damaged joint. Using specialized surgical tools, Dr. Heckmann carefully removes the damaged tissue from your joint. After removing the worn ends of your bones, he implants a prosthetic joint. Finally, he removes the surgical instruments and closes your incisions.

What happens during recovery from a joint replacement?

After your minimally invasive total joint replacement, Dr. Heckmann and his team review your aftercare instructions and prescribes medicine to help manage your pain and reduce your risk of infection.

You start physical therapy on the same day of your operation. Initially, physical therapy helps keep your muscles and connective tissue supple. As your body heals, you work on rebuilding strength and range of motion. Eventually, you regain the ability to return to your regular activities.

If you’re looking for an experienced orthopedic surgeon to complete a minimally invasive total joint replacement, call Dr. Heckmann or make an appointment online today.

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