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Total knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) is a common orthopedic procedure that is used to replace the damaged or worn surfaces of the knee. Replacing these surfaces with an implant or "prosthesis" will relieve pain and increase mobility, allowing you to return to your normal, everyday activities. Minimally invasive total knee replacements performed at Artemis Health in Santa Monica, Corona del Mar, and Torrance, California, use smaller incisions and allow for a quicker recovery. To learn more about minimally invasive total knee replacements, call the nearest office or request an appointment online today.
Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Q&A
What is a minimally invasive total knee replacement?
Like traditional knee replacement surgery, minimally invasive total knee replacement is aimed at achieving the same goals – removing damaged cartilage and eliminating painful symptoms that occur from injury or degenerative changes. But unlike the traditional approach, minimally invasive knee surgery uses a smaller incision – typically about half the length of a normal incision or less.
Minimally invasive surgery also uses special instruments so damage to the tissue surrounding the joint is minimized.
How is minimally invasive knee replacement performed?
The procedure uses the same sequence as open surgery – prepare the bone surface to accept the implants, position the implants, resurface the patella as needed, and insert a spacer to facilitate movement – but less muscle and other soft tissue is cut, and the incision is significantly smaller, which means faster healing and fewer complications.
What are the benefits of a minimally invasive knee replacement procedure?
Because minimally invasive techniques use smaller incisions, less tissue damage occurs, which means most patients experience faster healing and recovery as well as less pain. The risk of infection is also minimized through the use of a smaller incision.
Can all knee replacement surgeries be performed using minimally invasive techniques?
No, while many procedures can be performed using this technique, some patients will benefit from the use of the traditional open technique, which allows the surgeon to see more of the material in and around the joint.
Am I a good candidate?
Generally, the best candidates for this approach are patients who are younger and of a healthy weight. Patients also need to be very motivated to participate in all aspects of physical therapy. Your Artemis Health provider will be able to determine if a minimally invasive approach is right for you.
To learn more about minimally invasive total knee replacement, call Artemis Health or request an appointment online today.