Unlike traditional portals and incisions, the 1.9 mm needle scope allows the surgeon to view images through a minimally invasive procedure, allowing access to tighter spaces.
Marshall Orthopaedics is one of the first five clinics in the country currently using this specific needle scope, which is part of the NanoScope system. Held similarly to a pencil, the scope does not require a hand piece.
“We have found the less-invasive approach of the needle scope typically results in easier postoperative rehabilitation and return to function for the patient — a win-win for all those involved,” said Lavender, an assistant professor at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
When compared with conventional arthroscopy, procedures using the needle scope also usually result in smaller incisions, and in some instances, no incision at all. The largest cut for this particular ACL surgery was 1.5 cm.
“Due to the nature of this ACL tear and viability of the tissue, we were able to apply a newer type of ACL repair that uses the patient’s anatomy to attach a button and screw with an internal brace,” Lavender said.
Since Lavender was first introduced to the NanoScope system in 2020, he has performed more than 100 procedures, ranging from distal clavicle resections to rotator cuff repairs.
Surgeries are being performed at Cabell Huntington Hospital.
For more information about NanoScope procedures, please call Marshall Orthopaedics at 304-691-1262.
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About Marshall Health
Marshall Health is the clinical enterprise of Marshall University and its Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Marshall Health brings together leading clinicians and researchers to provide world-class care throughout southern West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. With more than 420 providers in 75 areas of primary and specialty care, Marshall Health’s impact extends throughout the region through more than 40 outpatient clinics in 13 counties and telemedicine. To learn more, visit marshallhealth.org.