Knee Replacement surgery is a surgery where a damaged bone or a bone that suffers from a disease is removed. So, this and the knee joint cartilage is then replaced using an artificial joint. This is made of polymers, metal and even top-quality plastic in many cases.
This surgical procedure is most common in patients with severe Knee Arthritis. Generally, this surgery is opted after non-invasive and non-operative treatment methods have failed to provide relief. This procedure has been performed for more than three decades with excellent results, but recently a newer approach is being tried that requires a shorter incision.
Traditional Knee Replacement Surgery
In the traditional total knee replacement procedure, an 8″ incision is made, involving 3-5 days of recovery time in the hospital. Sometimes, it also involves an additional stay at inpatient rehabilitation before the patient can go home. The recovery time for this surgery lasts from 1-3 months, during which the patient uses a cane or a walker to help themselves with walking. Most patients have substantial or complete relief of Arthritic pain and symptoms after the recovery period from this surgery.
Newest Knee Replacement Surgery
The newest knee replacement surgery is a minimally-invasive technique that spares trauma to the Quadriceps muscle. The surgeon has to make a 3-4″ incision instead of the traditional 8″ incision to insert the same knee replacement implant used in traditional knee replacement surgeries. The shorter incision allows the surgeon to avoid any trauma to the Quadriceps muscle (the most important muscle group in the knee area).
This surgical technique’s recovery time is much quicker than traditional surgery. It sometimes permits the patients to walk with a walker or a cane in just a couple of weeks after surgery, decreasing postoperative pain. It also diminishes the need for therapy and rehab.
Minimally-Invasive Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement Benefits
The main benefits of this newest surgical approach to total knee replacement, which is referred to as Minimally-Invasive Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement, are as follows:
1. Faster Return of Knee Function
It is observed that patients who opt for this procedure get their muscle control and strength back faster than in the traditional approach to knee replacement. This quicker return is because the Tendon and the Quadriceps are not divided for this procedure, and neither is the kneecap flipped out of the way for the course of surgical exposure.
2. Minimally Invasive
Many patients prefer the smaller incision offered by this procedure instead of the traditional replacements, which is about 8″ in length instead of the 3-4″ in this approach.
3. Diminished Postoperative Pain
The minimal invasion and avoidance of Tendons and Quadriceps have led to decreased postoperative pain.
4. Similar Implants
The fact that the approach utilizes the same implants tested throughout the years gives patients some reassurance about a relatively new procedure.
Apparent Risks of the Procedure
The approach has been studied deeply, but the fact that it is a newer approach to a procedure that has been tested and retested for decades makes it a little harder to trust and attempt. Another important fact is that the procedure is relatively more challenging than the traditional approach for total knee replacements. You need to know everything about the newest surgical approach to total knee replacements.
