Recently, minimally invasive knee replacement has made a mark in the world of orthopedic surgery. This technique is a tremendous advance in performing total knee replacement surgery. It is also a far more challenging surgery.
The incisions used in minimally invasive knee surgery are about half the size of those used in standard knee replacement surgery. Because of this the joint is less exposed. This results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster rehabilitation.
Patients who are not overweight, are relatively active with a fair amount of ROM (range of motion), and have no strong deformity of the knee(s) do well with this technique. They can enjoy a brief stay in the hospital of no more than 3 days. Inpatient rehabilitation will be speedy or nonexistent.
In general, these are the accepted findings. It is worth noting that these findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies show dramatic reduction of pain, hospital stay, and rehabilitation. Others show that these aspects of recovery are quite similar to those experienced with standard knee replacement surgery.
Additionally, the risks of this method of surgery have not truly been documented; however, there is no reason to believe that they are substantially different from those associated with any knee surgery. This is a topic you will want to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.
Click here for more on minimally invasive knee surgery .
The Hospital Stay
You will have a brief hospital stay following your surgery. During this time you may be feeling a bit of pain. You will be glad to know that you will be given medication to deal with it.
Arrange pain management in advance of your surgery. It is an important aspect of your recovery plan. Also, realize that exercise and movement are a very important part of your recovery. These will begin almost immediately after your surgical procedure.
Another thing you will want to be aware of is the fact that lung congestion is a risk after any surgery. Be sure to cough frequently and breathe deeply to avoid this problem.
Blood clotting sometimes causes problems after knee surgery. To keep the veins in your legs free of clots, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe blood thinning medications, compressive stockings, compression boots, and/or elevation.
Additionally, you may use an exercise machine called a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. This machine keeps your leg in constant gentle motion while you are at rest. It also keeps your leg elevated. The combination of motion and elevation increases flexibility of the knee while reducing the risk of clotting.
The incisions used in minimally invasive knee surgery are about half the size of those used in standard knee replacement surgery. Because of this the joint is less exposed. This results in less pain, a shorter hospital stay and faster rehabilitation.
Patients who are not overweight, are relatively active with a fair amount of ROM (range of motion), and have no strong deformity of the knee(s) do well with this technique. They can enjoy a brief stay in the hospital of no more than 3 days. Inpatient rehabilitation will be speedy or nonexistent.
In general, these are the accepted findings. It is worth noting that these findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies show dramatic reduction of pain, hospital stay, and rehabilitation. Others show that these aspects of recovery are quite similar to those experienced with standard knee replacement surgery.
Additionally, the risks of this method of surgery have not truly been documented; however, there is no reason to believe that they are substantially different from those associated with any knee surgery. This is a topic you will want to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.
Click here for more on minimally invasive knee surgery .
The Hospital Stay
You will have a brief hospital stay following your surgery. During this time you may be feeling a bit of pain. You will be glad to know that you will be given medication to deal with it.
Arrange pain management in advance of your surgery. It is an important aspect of your recovery plan. Also, realize that exercise and movement are a very important part of your recovery. These will begin almost immediately after your surgical procedure.
Another thing you will want to be aware of is the fact that lung congestion is a risk after any surgery. Be sure to cough frequently and breathe deeply to avoid this problem.
Blood clotting sometimes causes problems after knee surgery. To keep the veins in your legs free of clots, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe blood thinning medications, compressive stockings, compression boots, and/or elevation.
Additionally, you may use an exercise machine called a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. This machine keeps your leg in constant gentle motion while you are at rest. It also keeps your leg elevated. The combination of motion and elevation increases flexibility of the knee while reducing the risk of clotting.
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, knee surgery and partial knee.
