Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Advanced surgical techniques for faster recovery and better outcomes
What is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?
Minimally invasive knee replacement is an advanced surgical technique that uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to replace the knee joint while minimizing damage to surrounding muscles and tissues. This approach can lead to faster recovery, less pain, and better preservation of normal anatomy.
Recovery Advantage: Patients typically experience 30-40% faster recovery compared to traditional knee replacement, with many returning to normal activities within 6-8 weeks.
Benefits of Minimally Invasive Approach
Minimally invasive knee replacement offers several advantages:
- Smaller Incisions: 4-6 inch incisions instead of 8-12 inch traditional incisions
- Muscle Preservation: Quadriceps muscle is preserved, maintaining strength
- Reduced Pain: Less tissue damage results in decreased post-operative pain
- Faster Recovery: Quicker return to normal activities and work
- Less Blood Loss: Minimized bleeding during surgery
- Reduced Scarring: Smaller, less visible scars
- Shorter Hospital Stay: Often allows for 1-2 day stay instead of 3-4 days
Minimally Invasive Techniques
Quad-Sparing
Preserves the quadriceps muscle by working around it rather than cutting through it.
Mid-Vastus
Small split in the vastus medialis muscle with minimal muscle damage.
Subvastus
Approach underneath the vastus medialis muscle without cutting any muscle fibers.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Process
Candidate Evaluation
Comprehensive assessment to determine if you're a good candidate for minimally invasive approach based on anatomy and condition.
Specialized Surgery
1-2 hour procedure using specialized instruments and techniques through small incisions to preserve muscle and tissue.
Rapid Recovery
1-2 day hospital stay with early mobilization and reduced pain medication needs.
Accelerated Rehabilitation
Faster physical therapy progression with return to normal activities in 6-8 weeks instead of 10-12 weeks.
Am I a Candidate for Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?
Good candidates for minimally invasive knee replacement typically have:
- Appropriate anatomy: Normal knee anatomy without significant deformity
- Healthy weight: BMI less than 35 for optimal visualization
- No prior knee surgery: Or limited previous procedures
- Good bone quality: Adequate bone stock for implant fixation
- Moderate arthritis: Not severely deformed joints
- Realistic expectations: Understanding of benefits and limitations
Your surgeon will evaluate your specific case to determine the best approach for you.
Experience Faster Recovery
Discover how minimally invasive knee replacement can get you back to your active lifestyle faster. Schedule a consultation to see if this advanced technique is right for you.
Specialized surgeon evaluation required. Insurance coverage available.