Minimally invasive knee replacement is a fairly recent development in knee surgery. It advances the performance of this type of surgery by greatly reducing trauma and recovery time. However, as a surgical procedure, it is much more challenging than traditional methods.
The incisions used in minimally invasive knee surgery are about half the size of those used in standard knee replacement surgery. Because of this the joint is less exposed. This results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster rehabilitation.
This surgery is recommended for the patient who is of an average weight and activity level. The patient should have fairly good ROM (range of motion) and be relatively free of knee deformity. A patient who meets all of these criteria and has a successful procedure will be hospitalized for 3 days or less and will have little or no inpatient rehabilitation process.
In general, these are the accepted findings. It is worth noting that these findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies show dramatic reduction of pain, hospital stay, and rehabilitation. Others show that these aspects of recovery are quite similar to those experienced with standard knee replacement surgery.
It is equally important to note that the risks associated with this type of surgery have not been specifically documented. There is, however, no reason to think that this type of surgery would hold any risks not associated with standard knee replacement surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to give you the latest information regarding this issue.
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Time At The Hospital
You will have a brief hospital stay following your surgery. During this time you may be feeling a bit of pain. You will be glad to know that you will be given medication to deal with it.
You should talk with your orthopedic surgeon about pain medications before your surgery. In this way, you will not experience any surprises in this important area of your recovery. Also, discuss movement and exercise. Be prepared to begin your rehabilitation almost immediately after surgery.
Any surgery compromises the lungs. Be sure to keep them clear with deep breathing exercises and frequent coughing, thereby avoiding lung congestion.
After knee surgery, clotting in the leg veins may be a problem. This is typically treated with a variety of measures, including support hose, compression boots, elevating the legs, and using medications to thin the blood. Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe the method or methods that will be most useful to you.
CPM: Continuous Passive Motion may also be recommended. You will receive this therapy from an exercise machine that will keep your leg elevated and in constant, gentle movement while you are at rest. This will reduce the risk of blood clots and increase the flexibility of your knee.
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, knee anatomy and full knee replacement.
