Knee Replacement Surgery: The Minimally Invasive Option
For a procedure that provides reduced trauma and pain, shorter hospital stay, and brief rehabilitation, minimally invasive knee surgery is the latest and best option. This method, while quite challenging as a surgical procedure, is a tremendous advance in the field of orthopedic surgery.
Because smaller incisions are used than in traditional knee replacement surgery, the joint is exposed far less. This translates into less pain and trauma. A patient who has a successful minimally invasive knee surgery procedure can expect to be hospitalized a very short time and have a quick and easy recovery period.
Minimally invasive knee surgery is not for every patient. To be a good candidate, you must be non-obese, have fair ROM (range of motion) in your knee, and not have much knee deformity. If you fit this description, you may very well be able to take advantage of this advanced procedure that can provide you with a hospital stay of one to three days and a very minimal period of rehabilitation.
It is important to note that, while these findings are generally accepted, they are not universal. Some studies show that pain, hospital stay, and rehabilitation period are similar or the same as those a patient given traditional knee replacement surgery would experience.
It is equally important to note that the risks associated with this type of surgery have not been specifically documented. There is, however, no reason to think that this type of surgery would hold any risks not associated with standard knee replacement surgery. Your orthopedic surgeon will be able to give you the latest information regarding this issue.
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Time At The Hospital
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.
You should talk with your orthopedic surgeon about pain medications before your surgery. In this way, you will not experience any surprises in this important area of your recovery. Also, discuss movement and exercise. Be prepared to begin your rehabilitation almost immediately after surgery.
After any surgery, it is important to keep your lungs clear. Breathe deeply and cough from time to time to avoid lung congestion.
Your orthopedic surgeon will probably prescribe measures to prevent blood clotting in your leg veins. These measures might include compression boots, elevation, support stockings, and blood thinning medications.
A machine called CPM or continuous passive motion exercise machine may be used. This machine helps reduce the possibility of blood clots and improve flexibility of the knee by keeping it in continuous, gentle motion while keeping it elevated.
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, arthroscopy surgery and total knee.
