What is Total Knee Replacement?
Total knee replacement is a surgical treatment for knee arthritis. Over the years, minimally invasive knee replacement surgical techniques have been developed to lessen tissue trauma and improve patient outcomes. This minimally invasive approach involves much smaller incisions than the usual 10-12-inch incisions used in the traditional knee replacement and spares the quadriceps muscle and tendon, which control bending of the knee, from being cut to access the knee joint.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Procedure
The surgery is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room under regional anesthesia. You will be lying on your back on the operating table with a tourniquet applied to your upper thigh to reduce blood loss. Minimally invasive surgery for knee replacement involves the use of small incisions that are only 4 to 6 inches in length as compared to the 10-12-inch long incision used in the traditional procedure.
The first step involves removal of the damaged surface of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage. It allows for a smooth surface to which implants can be attached.
The surgeon then focuses on the femur (thighbone). The damaged portions of the femur are cut at the appropriate angles using specialized tools.
The tibial component is then secured to the end of the bone using press fit implants or cement.
Then the femoral component is attached to the end of the femur with press fit implants or cement.
Your surgeon will place a plastic piece called an articular surface between these implants to ensure a smooth gliding movement. This plastic insert acts similar to the original articular cartilage and helps in supporting your body weight as well as allows the femur bone to move over the tibia.
The femur and the tibia bone with their new components are put together to form the new knee joint.
The natural knee cap can be left alone or resurfaced depending on the patients needs.
With all its new components in place, the knee joint is examined through its range of motion to ensure balance.
The entire joint will be irrigated or cleaned out with a sterile saline solution.
The incisions are then closed with plastic surgery closure with absorbable sutures.
A waterproof surgical dressing or bandage is then placed over the incision.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
The smaller incisions with minimally invasive surgery means less tissues are cut resulting in quicker healing and recovery. The potential advantages of minimally invasive joint replacement surgery are:
Minimal surgical dissection
Shorter recovery period
Shorter hospital stay
Reduced post-operative pain
Minimal scar formation