Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

If you're dealing with knee pain or mobility issues, you're not alone. In fact, a total knee replacement, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a common orthopedic procedure that can help. It's designed to replace the damaged or worn surfaces of the knee, giving you back the mobility and comfort you deserve. 

The replacement of these surfaces with an implant or prosthesis will result in the alleviation of pain and an increase in mobility, thereby enabling the patient to resume their normal, everyday activities.

The conventional method for knee replacement surgery involves making a long vertical incision in the center of the knee to gain access to the joint.

A variation of this approach is minimally invasive total knee replacement. The surgeon employs a shorter incision and a distinct, less-invasive technique (which necessitates less tendon and ligament incision) to expose the joint. This approach is designed to minimize post-operative discomfort and accelerate recovery.

Knee Replacement Procedure

During any knee replacement surgery, damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee are removed. This procedure also involves the removal of a certain amount of soft tissue. The objective of a knee replacement procedure is to provide the patient with a pain-free knee that allows for the resumption of daily activities.

Traditional Knee Replacement

A traditional knee replacement is performed by the surgeon through an incision of 8 to 10 inches in length, made vertically over the front of the knee in order to expose the joint. The surgeon will then:

• Prepare the bone. The surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage at the ends of the femur and tibia, along with a little bit of the bone underneath. 

• Place the metal implant. The cartilage and bone that are removed during the procedure will be replaced with metal components that will recreate the surface of the joint.

• Resurface the patella. The undersurface of the kneecap (patella) is cut and replaced with a plastic button. Some surgeons don't replace the patella. The decision to do so depends on the following:

1. How much arthritis is present under the patella 
2. Patella thickness. If it's too thin, resurfacing could lead to a fracture. 

• Insert a spacer. The surgeon will insert a plastic spacer to make sure everything glides smoothly. 

Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement 

In minimally invasive total knee replacement:

• The surgery is similar to a traditional total knee replacement, but there's less cutting of the tissue around the knee.

• The artificial implants utilized are the same as those employed in conventional total knee replacement procedures. However, specialized surgical instruments are utilized to prepare the femur and tibia and to correctly position the implants.

• The surgical procedure is completed through a shorter incision, typically 4 to 6 inches, compared to the traditional 8 to 10 inches used in total knee replacement surgeries. A smaller incision allows for a reduction in tissue disturbance.

• In addition to a shorter incision, the surgical approach used to open the knee is less invasive. In general, minimally invasive total knee replacement techniques are designed to avoid trauma to the quadriceps tendon and muscles in the front of the thigh, a process known as "quadriceps sparing." Other minimally invasive techniques, referred to as "midvastus" and "subvastus," involve making small incisions in the muscle. These techniques are also less invasive than a traditional total knee replacement (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons).

• The typical hospital stay for this procedure is comparable to that of a traditional total knee replacement. Some patients undergo outpatient surgery, while others remain in the hospital for one to four days.

• Physical therapy is an essential element of the recovery process, as it is for a traditional total knee replacement. Your surgeon or physical therapist will provide you with targeted exercises designed to enhance the range of motion and rebuild strength.

How do I prepare myself for knee Replacement?

Make sure that you provide your orthopedic surgeon with detailed information about the following:

• All prescription medicines
• Over-the-counter medications: aspirin or ibuprofen
• Street drugs
• Herbs, vitamins, and other supplements.

At the same time, you should ask your surgeon the following:

• Are there medicines to be stopped, like blood thinners, before surgery?
• How long before surgery smoking should I stop smoking?
• What is the optimal weight for surgery?

Who is a Good Candidate for Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?

Minimally invasive total knee replacement is not a one-size-fits-all procedure for all patients. Your doctor will perform a thorough evaluation and consider several factors before determining whether the procedure is right for you.

Candidates for minimally invasive surgery, compared to patients undergoing traditional surgery, are typically:

• Younger
• Thinner
• Healthier
• More willing to commit to physical therapy routine

On the other hand, minimally invasive surgeries are less suitable for patients who:

• Are above normal weight
• Have received other knee surgeries

In addition, a minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty procedure may pose an increased risk, particularly for patients who have the following conditions:

• Have a pronounced knee deformity
• Have a lot of muscle
• Have health problems that may be a barrier to wound healing

Are there Any Risks?

As with any surgery, there is a risk of complications associated with minimally invasive surgery. Possible complications include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve and artery injuries 
• Wound healing problems
• Failure of prosthetic knee implant placement

Conclusion 

Unlike a traditional total knee replacement, the minimally invasive technique is not suitable for all patients. In the short term, minimally invasive knee replacement has been shown to reduce soft-tissue damage, resulting in faster recovery, reduced pain and faster return to normal activity. Current evidence suggests that the long-term benefits of minimally invasive knee replacement are no greater than those of traditional total knee arthroplasty (orthoinfo).

Turkey Luxury Clinics is your ideal destination!

Like a traditional knee replacement, minimally invasive knee replacement should be performed by a well-trained, highly experienced orthopaedic surgeon. Contact Turkey Luxury Clinics today to speak with our experienced orthopedic team. They will be happy to provide you with a consultation on your case and recommend the optimal solution.