Why would someone need to have a Minimally Invasive knee replacement?
Common indications of minimally invasive knee replacement include:
What conditions can a minimally invasive knee replacement treat?
Minimally Invasive Knee replacement treats painful mobility due to arthritis or injury, knee damage, and knee deformities.
Different Types of Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Various types of minimally invasive knee replacement approaches are commonly used. Some of these include:
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Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement: This procedure involves the use of a smaller incision, typically measuring around 4 to 6 inches, compared to the 8 to 10-inch incision used in traditional knee replacement. The technique used in this approach aims to minimize tissue disturbance and promote faster recovery.
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Robotic-Assisted Knee Replacement: This technique utilizes advanced robotics to assist the surgeon in performing the procedure with precision and accuracy. It involves preoperative planning and the use of a robotic arm during surgery to help optimize implant placement
Requirements & Evaluation: Minimally Invasive Knee replacement surgery
The following are important requirements and evaluations while planning minimally invasive knee replacement surgery:
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Overall Health: The surgeon will review the patient's medical history, current medications, and any existing health conditions that may increase the risks associated with surgery.
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Knee Condition: Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is typically suitable for patients with degenerative joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, where the joint cartilage has deteriorated significantly.
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Joint Stability: The stability of the knee joint is important. If the ligaments and other structures around the knee are severely compromised.
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Body Weight: Excessive body weight can put additional stress on the knee joint. Patients who are significantly overweight may be advised to lose weight before surgery to minimize complications and optimize the long-term success of the procedure.
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Patient Expectations: The surgeon will have a detailed discussion with the patient about their expectations and goals for knee replacement surgery.
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Imaging Studies: X-rays or other imaging studies are typically used to assess the extent of joint damage, evaluate the bone structure, and determine the suitability for a minimally invasive approach.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Procedure
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Preoperative Planning: Before the surgery, the surgeon will conduct a thorough evaluation of the patient's knee condition through physical examination, imaging tests (e.g., X-ray, MRI), and medical history review. This allows the surgeon to plan the procedure and determine the optimal implant size and placement.
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Anesthesia: The patient will receive anesthesia, typically either general anesthesia (puts the patient to sleep) or regional anesthesia (numbs the lower body).
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Incision: In minimally invasive knee replacement, a smaller incision, typically around 4 to 6 inches, is made compared to the larger incision used in traditional knee replacement. This helps minimize tissue disruption.
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Soft Tissue Preservation: The surgeon will work to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible, including the muscles, ligaments, and tendons surrounding the knee.
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Joint Access: The surgeon will carefully dislocate the kneecap (patella) to gain access to the knee joint.
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Bone Preparation: The damaged cartilage and bone surfaces of the femur (thighbone), tibia (shinbone), and patella may be trimmed or reshaped to accommodate the artificial components.
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Implant Placement: The surgeon will position the artificial components (metal, plastic, or ceramic) of the knee joint, which may involve cemented or press-fit fixation methods.
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Capsule Closure: After the implant is in place, the surgeon will reposition the kneecap and close the incision using stitches or staples.
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Recovery and Rehabilitation: Following the surgery, the patient will be monitored in the recovery room and then transferred to a hospital room. Physical therapy and rehabilitation will typically begin soon after to restore range of motion, strengthen the muscles around the knee, and support the healing process.
What kind of follow-up care will I have during recovery?
Take medications on time and take regular follow-ups. Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and follow instructions given by the surgeon or doctor. In case of any discomfort, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Risk & Benefits
Risks:
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Infection: The risk may be slightly higher with minimally invasive surgery due to the smaller incision, which can make it more difficult to see and access the surgical site.
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Blood Clots: As with any surgery, blood clots may form in the veins of the legs and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.
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Vascular and Nerve Damage: Minimally invasive knee replacement may carry a higher risk of injury to blood vessels and nerves around the knee due to the narrow and less direct access.
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Limited Exposure: The limited exposure and smaller incisions used in minimally invasive surgery may increase the difficulty for surgeons, which could lead to a longer operation time or less optimal result.
Benefits:
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Smaller Incision: Minimally invasive knee replacement involves a smaller incision compared to traditional knee replacement. This can lead to less pain, swelling, and scarring, and a faster recovery time.
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Faster return to normal activities: Since minimally invasive knee replacement involves less tissue disruption, many patients can get back to their daily activities and work much faster, allowing them to enjoy their lives with minimal interruption.
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Decreased Blood Loss: Smaller incisions typically mean less blood loss than with conventional knee surgery.
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Increased Accuracy: The use of advanced technologies like robotic-assisted surgery can increase the accuracy and precision of implant placement, potentially leading to better outcomes.
Recovery
Recovery time depends upon many factors including the patient's general health, disease severity, type of implant used, type of surgery (unilateral or bilateral), and post-operative care. Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery typically lasts about 12 weeks. Many patients can start walking without the need for an assistive device within 3 weeks after surgery and can resume driving after 4 to 6 weeks
