Minimal invasive knee replacement
What is the surgery?
The minimal invasive knee replacement (also called knee arthroplasty) might be more accurately termed a knee "resurfacing" because only the surface of the bones are replaced, performed through a shorter incision—typically 4 to 6 inches, smaller incision with faster recovery
How its done?
There are three basic steps to the minimal invasive knee replacement surgery:
- Prepare the bone: The damaged cartilage surfaces at the ends of the femur and tibia are removed along with a small amount of underlying bone.
- Position the metal implants: The removed cartilage and bone is replaced with metal components that recreate the surface of the joint. These metal parts may be cemented or “press-fit” into the bone.
- Insert a spacer: A medical-grade plastic spacer is inserted between the metal components to create a smooth gliding surface.
What is after the surgery?
"Realistic activities following total knee replacement include unlimited walking, swimming, golf, driving, light hiking, biking, ballroom dancing, and other low-impact sports"
When the surgery is recommended?
There are several reasons why Dr Raad may recommend it to you. People who benefit from total knee replacement often have: severe knee pain or stiffness that limits everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs, it may be hard to walk more than a few blocks without significant pain and it may be necessary to use a cane or walker, moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night, chronic knee inflammation and swelling that does not improve with rest or medications, knee deformity — a bowing in or out of the knee, failure to substantially improve with other treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, lubricating injections, physical therapy, or other surgeries
Is it suitable for your age?
There are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total knee replacement surgery, recommendations for surgery are based on a patient's pain and disability, not age. most patients who undergo total knee replacement are age 50 to 80, but orthopedic surgeons evaluate patients individually, total knee replacements have been performed successfully at all ages, from the young teenager with juvenile arthritis to the elderly patient with degenerative arthritis.