When patients arrive at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, it’s usually because pain, discomfort, or injury is keeping them from doing the activities they enjoy. Unfortunately, many people delay treatment for fear it will mean weeks of recovery stuck at home. The good news is that minimally invasive orthopedic procedures can often reduce downtime and help patients return to an active lifestyle much faster.
Below are some of the most effective minimally invasive treatments we offer and how they can help you.
VisionScope
What It Does: VisionScope is an injectable camera that takes only about 10 minutes to use and requires only a local anesthetic. It allows our doctors to clearly see and evaluate joint conditions, often eliminating the need for more invasive surgeries or lengthy MRI evaluations.
How It Can Help You: VisionScope enables diagnosis and treatment planning in a single appointment, saving time and reducing hassle. The procedure is relatively pain-free, and most patients can resume normal activities immediately afterward.
Arthroscopy
What It Does: Arthroscopy uses a small camera to see inside a joint, diagnose the problem, and in some cases correct it during the same procedure. It is slightly more invasive than VisionScope but can allow for same-day treatment.
How It Can Help You: Arthroscopy can treat damaged cartilage, inflamed joints, joint infections, torn ligaments, and scar tissue buildup. Recovery may involve anti-inflammatory medication, joint protection, and physical therapy, but pain relief is often achieved quickly.
Injections
What They Do: We offer several types of injections, including joint injections, steroid injections, visco supplements, stem cell therapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. These treatments deliver targeted relief to the injury site to reduce pain and, in some cases, speed healing.
How They Can Help You:
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Joint & Steroid Injections – Provide quick pain relief and improved mobility.
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Visco Supplements – Ideal for knee osteoarthritis, adding hyaluronic acid to the joint for better movement.
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Stem Cell Injections – Treat osteoarthritis in hips, knees, shoulders, ankles, or thumbs, often with same-day recovery.
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PRP Therapy – Helps heal stubborn injuries that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Tenex Procedure
What It Does: Tenex uses ultrasound technology and ultrasonic energy to break down damaged tendon tissue. It requires only a local anesthetic, a tiny incision (no stitches), and typically a short recovery.
How It Can Help You: Tenex is designed for patients with chronic tendon pain unresponsive to other treatments. Many experience pain relief quickly and can return to most activities within six weeks.
Get Back to Doing What You Love
Our goal is to keep you moving without unnecessary downtime. If you’d like to learn more about minimally invasive orthopedic treatments at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, call us at (434) 244-8412 or send us an email to schedule a consultation.
Sources Cited:
https://medlineplus.gov/minimallyinvasivesurgery.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/15985-minimally-invasive-surgery
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/minimally-invasive-orthopaedic-surgery
Dr. David Nielsen, D.O. is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with over 20 years of experience in hand, upper extremity, and shoulder surgery. He trained at Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and the University of South Florida. He brings over two decades of surgical experience and a deep commitment to patient-centered care as the founder of Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center.
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Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Learn MoreWhat Our Patients Say
“I went to Dr. Nielsen for a second opinion on a dislocated hand. My first surgeon recommended surgery without much consideration. A friend suggested Dr. Nielsen, who spent time reviewing my case and concluded that I only needed rehabilitation. He was right! He's an excellent doctor.”
I was impressed with the quality of service and the caring people throughout the visit, from the receptionist to the doctor seen. They truly care and are honest and professional.
The best ortho in the state. Got my son in right away and is a very caring crew. Professional and clean atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.
We can’t recommend Dr. Nielsen and his team enough. They represent the best in medical care and kindness to others. They are truly excellent in providing healthcare services. With him, you will find a health partner, a supportive friend on your health journey, and continuous support in your pursuit of well-being.
Highly recommend Charlottesville Orthopedic Center for PT. They are the best! Very knowledgeable, detailed, patient, caring and they listen. I had shoulder and knee issues. Matt was my physical therapist and I would definitely go back if I ever need more therapy. Thank you so much for all your help.
Very responsive, same day service. Staff is knowledgeable, friendly, and thorough when communicating complex medical information.
Great place. The best group of people you could ask for. Knowledgeable and polite. #1
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
