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Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement
The field of orthopedics is constantly researching new techniques to help make joint replacement surgery less painful and to help patients recover more quickly. One of the most talked about orthopedic advancements is Microplasty™ minimally invasive joint replacement, also called mini-incision joint replacement.
Traditional total knee replacements require an incision between six and eight inches long. The patient’s size and the extent of the joint’s damage can sometimes determine the length of the incision. The incision allows the surgeon to fully visualize the joint, the diseased tissue, and the implants.
 Minimally invasive total knee replacement is performed through an approximately four-inch incision, half the length of a typical knee replacement incision. Surgeons can perform surgery through such a short incision because they use instruments specifically designed to move around soft tissue, rather than cut through it.
It is important to remember that your surgeon chooses the implants needed for your specific medical condition.
Why Do Our Physicians
Perform Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?
For patients who are candidates for the procedure, the answer is simple. Patients desire to heal quickly so they can return to a more active and enjoyable lifestyle.
After Surgery
After surgery you will receive pain medication and begin physical
therapy. It is important to start moving your new knee as soon as possible after surgery to promote blood flow, to regain knee motion, and
to facilitate the recovery process. You should be out of bed and
walking with crutches or a walker within 24 hours of your surgery.
You will be shown how to safely climb and descend stairs, how to
get into and out of a seated position, and how to care for your knee
once you return home. It is a good idea to enlist the help of friends
or family to help you once you do return home.
Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you a variety
of exercises designed to help you regain mobility and strength in
your knee. You should be able to perform these exercises on your
own at home. When at home, it is very important to continue with your
exercises as instructed.
Recovery After Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Recovery time after minimally invasive knee replacement takes approximately half as long as traditional total knee replacement recovery time. Every person’s recovery time will vary, but most people should be able to drive and garden after four weeks. You will be instructed as to when you can return to daily normal activities and will also tell you which activities to avoid.
You will typically not be allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications.
Summary
We know the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope this information has helped you understand some of the basics
of minimally invasive knee replacement surgery so that you can make the best decision for yourself. Millions of others have made this choice, allowing them to return to more active lifestyles. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon.
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Joint Implant Surgeons of Florida | Lee Memorial Hospital
2780 Cleveland Ave. | Fort Myers, Florida 33901
Phone: 239-337-2003 Fax:239-337-3168
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These seminars were designed to answer many of the questions that you may have on arthritis, joint pain, joint replacement, and caring for the joint surgery patient.
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