Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement
About the Procedure
The minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure (sometimes referred to as total knee arthroplasty or TKA) involves the use of modified techniques and instruments to place the same, clinically proven implants used in standard surgery, but through a much smaller incision and without cutting through the quadricep tendons and muscles. The minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed through one small, 3- to 4-inch incision instead of a large, 8- to 12-inch incision. This approach has the potential for dramatically reducing pain by sparing muscles and tendons that historically have been cut during standard TKA surgery.
Potential benefits of this less invasive technique include increased range of motion sooner after surgery, less blood loss during surgery, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay as 92% of patients leave the hospital the same day.
The joint replacement surgeons of Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush were among the pioneers of this procedure and were the first to perform the innovative minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure as an outpatient procedure, dramatically reducing time in the hospital, pain and recovery.
Am I a candidate for Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Surgery?
Total Knee Replacement Surgery
Your doctor may have told you that you are a candidate for total knee replacement surgery. This surgery removes the damaged and painful areas of the thigh- and shinbones. These areas are then replaced with specially designed metal and plastic parts.
Standard surgical incision for knee replacement
The standard surgical incision is between 8 to 12 inches. The incision is made through the quadriceps tendons and muscles to position the replacement parts. Patients generally have two to three months recovery time. Much of the postoperative pain a patient feels is a result of the cutting of the tissues. While tissues are healing, scar tissue forms, which may cause pain and stiffness.
Minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure
This new technique at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush has revolutionized total knee replacement surgery (sometimes referred to as total knee arthroplasty or TKA). The short incision total knee replacement is a surgical modification using a smaller incision that requires less muscle dissection, which generally results in more rapid and less painful recovery with better early range of motion and improved function.
The procedure involves the use of modified techniques and instruments to place the same clinically proven implants used in standard surgery, but through a much smaller incision. The minimally invasive replacement surgery is performed through one small 3- to 4-inch incision instead of the larger 8- to 12-inch incision of the standard surgical technique. This approach has the potential for dramatically reducing pain by sparing muscles and tendons that historically have been cut during standard total knee replacement surgery.
Potential benefits of this minimally invasive technique include increased range of motion sooner after surgery, less blood loss during surgery, faster recovery and a shorter hospital stay. In fact, many patients leave the hospital the same day.
Physicians at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush were among the pioneers of this procedure and were the first to perform the innovative minimally invasive total knee procedure as an outpatient surgery.
At this time, just about every patient is a candidate for the minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush. You may be a candidate for a minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure if:
- Your primary care doctor or an orthopedic surgeon has told you that you need a knee replacement
- Your knee structure is stable and you don't suffer from severe bone loss around the knee
- You have not had prior open knee surgery on the same knee
- Your weight is proportionate to your height
Other factors relative to your medical condition may apply. Contact a Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush knee specialist to see if you are a candidate for the minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure.