Minimally Invasive Relief with Endoscopic Surgery
Endoscopic Surgery
If hand, elbow, or knee discomfort is making it hard to play sports, work, or simply enjoy your favorite activities, endoscopic surgery might be the option that gets you moving again. Unlike traditional open surgery, endoscopic techniques use a tiny camera and specialized instruments passed through small incisions to precisely address joint and soft tissue concerns. This means less pain, less downtime, and an easier road back to the things you love.
Dr. Neil Schwimley proudly serves Cedar Falls, Iowa as an orthopedic surgeon renowned for his patient-focused care. He believes that understanding the unique story behind every injury – including your activities, routines, and goals – is essential for achieving the best results. Whether you’re a dedicated athlete or someone eager to regain comfortable daily movement, Dr. Schwimley is committed to helping you return to peak performance and everyday life with confidence.
Curious if endoscopic surgery could be right for you? Reach out today to schedule a consult with Dr. Schwimley. Your path to a faster, less invasive recovery could start with one easy appointment.
Renew Function and Comfort with Modern Endoscopic Solutions
Endoscopic Surgery: What Can I Expect?
Endoscopic surgery is an exciting advancement in orthopedic care, designed to minimize surgical impact and maximize patient recovery. By using slender, flexible instruments and a high-definition camera, Dr. Schwimley can directly visualize and treat the internal structures of your joints without creating large incisions or disrupting major tissues. This technology is especially well-suited for addressing repetitive strain and overuse injuries that often affect the hands, elbows, and knees, common in both athletes and active individuals of all ages.
A Versatile Approach with Many Benefits
Endoscopic techniques are used to manage painful nerve compression, swollen bursae (the soft, fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints), and locked or stiff joints. Because of the reduced trauma to surrounding tissue, patients often experience quicker healing, reduced risk of infection, and minimal scarring. For most, the return to daily tasks or athletic training is days or weeks rather than months.
Below, discover a few of the specialized endoscopic procedures offered by Dr. Schwimley:
Carpal Tunnel Endoscopic Release
Carpal tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in the hand, making even simple tasks feel impossible. To treat this, Dr. Schwimley performs endoscopic carpal tunnel release, a minimally invasive procedure involving a slender scope inserted through a tiny wrist incision. This approach allows him to view and carefully divide the tight ligament pressing on your median nerve. Many patients see rapid improvement and regain hand use more swiftly than with open techniques, getting back to work, hobbies, and athletics with fewer limitations.
Olecranon Endoscopic Bursectomy
Bursitis at the tip of the elbow, or "olecranon bursitis," can create bothersome swelling and discomfort, often made worse by activity or repeated leaning on the elbow. Dr. Schwimley uses endoscopic means to remove inflamed or infected bursa tissue while preserving surrounding structures, all through tiny portal incisions. This targeted method keeps post-surgical pain and downtime minimal, so you can resume lifting, pushing, or even throwing—important for active individuals and athletes.
Pre-patellar Endoscopic Bursectomy
Frequent kneeling can irritate the pre-patellar bursa at the front of the knee, resulting in pain and swelling (“housemaid’s knee”). Dr. Schwimley may recommend endoscopic surgery to remove inflamed tissue and drain excess fluid, restoring smooth, pain-free movement. This approach is far less disruptive than open surgery, often allowing for quicker rehabilitation and a faster return to sports, work, or family life, especially valuable for those whose lifestyle or job demands kneeling or active movement.
Recovery and Follow-up
Following endoscopic surgery, most patients are able to return home the same day. Dr. Schwimley works closely with each patient to create a customized rehabilitation plan, often starting with gentle movement and progressing to strengthening or sport-specific training. By focusing on your activity goals and personal needs, Dr. Schwimley helps speed the healing process while reducing the risk of re-injury or complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does endoscopic surgery improve over traditional open procedures for hands, elbows, and knees?
Endoscopic surgery is performed through very small incisions, often resulting in significantly less pain and scarring than with open methods. In procedures like carpal tunnel release or bursa removal, a tiny camera guides Dr. Schwimley’s work, helping him address the issue directly while keeping healthy tissues untouched.
This targeted approach often means less blood loss, lower infection risk, and a shorter period of restricted activity. For athletes and working adults, this can translate to an earlier return to their routines.
When can I drive, work, or return to sports after endoscopic surgery?
Recovery varies based on the specific procedure and your overall health, but endoscopic patients commonly experience faster healing than those undergoing traditional surgery. Many people are able to perform desk work or light household activities just days after a carpal tunnel procedure.
Return to physical labor or athletics depends on which joint is treated and how demanding your activities are. Dr. Schwimley provides clear, personalized guidelines and works with you – sometimes involving a physical therapist – to support your safest and quickest return.
What makes Dr. Schwimley uniquely qualified for endoscopic orthopedic procedures?
Dr. Schwimley brings extensive experience with minimally invasive surgery, combined with a genuine commitment to patient-centered care. He prioritizes listening, learning about your injury’s impact on your lifestyle and goals. This allows him to customize both surgical and non-surgical options for athletes, active families, and anyone determined to reclaim pain-free motion
Dr. Schwimley is especially known for his willingness to answer questions and guide you through every decision, from diagnosis through full recovery.
How do I schedule an endoscopic surgery consultation with Dr. Schwimley?
Our team is ready to help you choose a convenient appointment – in person or online – based on your schedule. Booking your visit is easy using our online platform, or by calling our Cedar Falls office. We’ll walk you through every step, including insurance verification and what to expect on your first visit. Dr. Schwimley looks forward to meeting you, understanding your goals, and helping you get back to your game, work, or simply living comfortably and actively again.