What is Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery?

Minimally invasive knee replacement is a fairly recent development in knee surgery. It advances the performance of this type of surgery by greatly reducing trauma and recovery time. However, as a surgical procedure, it is much more challenging than traditional methods.

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.

This surgery is recommended for the patient who is of an average weight and activity level. The patient should have fairly good ROM (range of motion) and be relatively free of knee deformity. A patient who meets all of these criteria and has a successful procedure will be hospitalized for 3 days or less and will have little or no inpatient rehabilitation process.

One thing you should keep in mind is that these findings are somewhat disputed. Most studies find the above statements to be true. There are, however, some studies that show that the pain experienced, length of hospital stay, and intensity of rehabilitation are the same as that one would experience with traditional total knee replacement surgery.

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.

Click here for more on minimally invasive knee surgery .

The Hospital Stay

You will stay at the hospital for a short time after your surgery. During this time, you will be given medications to handle any pain you may be experiencing.

Be sure to discuss your medication regimen with your orthopedic surgeon in advance of your surgery. You do not want any surprises. This is a very important part of your recovery, so it should go smoothly. Also, be prepared to begin moving your knee right away after surgery. This is also quite important to your overall recovery.

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.

After knee surgery, clotting in the leg veins may be a problem. This is typically treated with a variety of measures, including support hose, compression boots, elevating the legs, and using medications to thin the blood. Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe the method or methods that will be most useful to you.

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.