How Surgical Approaches Became Marketing — Hip & Knee Surgery Myths EXPOSED

Episode 9 — Minimally Invasive Myths: How Surgical Approaches Became Marketing

For years, patients have been told that a “minimally invasive” approach guarantees less pain, faster recovery, and a better outcome. But is that actually true — or has the phrase become one of the most effective marketing tools in modern orthopedics?

In this episode, I break down the real science behind anterior vs. posterior hip approaches and medial vs. midline knee approaches… and why most high-quality studies show no meaningful long-term difference in pain, function, or recovery. We’ll also talk about how I personally fell for the marketing early in my career — and how the industry continues to push “minimally invasive” as a buzzword rather than a proven clinical advantage.

Whether you’re facing hip or knee surgery or you just want to understand the truth behind surgical “innovations,” this episode separates the evidence from the advertising.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

Why “minimally invasive” became such a powerful marketing label

Do smaller incisions really lead to faster recovery?

Hip approaches: anterior vs. posterior vs. lateral

Knee approaches: quad splitting vs quad sparing — what actually matters

What the randomized controlled trials truly show

The role of muscle-sparing techniques

Why recovery has more to do with you than the incision

How surgeons (including me) got swept up in the approach wars

👨‍⚕️ About The Surgeon Unmasked (TSU)

I’m Dr. Randall Schultz, a practicing orthopedic surgeon and knee replacement patient. My goal is to give patients clear, honest explanations about the topics that matter — without hype, fear, or marketing.

📌 Callouts

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