Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
A damaged knee can be very painful, limiting your normal activities and significantly reducing your quality of life. When knee pain and dysfunction interfere significantly with daily activities, work, exercise, and social activities, it may be time to consider minimally invasive knee replacement. That’s the time to see the highly skilled and leading orthopedic specialists at the Colorado Center of Orthopaedic Excellence in Colorado Springs, Colorado. For every type and severity of injury, they have extensive knowledge and experience that can help you prevent the worsening of the injury and degenerative changes, not to mention reduced mobility and function. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term complications and improve recovery.
OVERVIEW
The minimally invasive total knee replacement procedure (sometimes referred to as total knee arthroplasty or TKA) involves the use of modified techniques and instruments to place the same clinically proven implants used in standard surgery but through a much smaller incision and without cutting through the quadricep tendons and muscles. The minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is performed through one small, 3- to 4-inch incision instead of a large, 8- to 12-inch incision. Potential benefits of this less invasive technique include increased range of motion sooner after surgery, less blood loss during surgery, faster recovery, and a shorter hospital stay, as 92% of patients leave the hospital the same day. Factors whether one requires TKA include:
Age: People aged 60-80 are the most common recipients, as knee osteoarthritis (the leading cause of knee replacements) typically worsens with age.
Gender: Women are more likely than men to undergo knee replacements. Studies suggest women tend to experience more severe osteoarthritis in their knees, possibly due to differences in joint structure, hormones, and body mechanics.
Body Weight: Individuals with obesity or higher body weights are also more likely to need knee replacements because excess weight strains knee joints, accelerating joint wear and tear.
Activity Level: Those with physically demanding jobs or high-impact athletic backgrounds may experience earlier joint deterioration, increasing their likelihood of needing knee replacements at a younger age.
Health Factors: People with chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, past knee injuries, or a family history of osteoarthritis are also more likely candidates.
ABOUT THE KNEE
The knee consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. The major bones are the femur, tibia (shin bone), and patella (kneecap). The knee has two types of cartilage: articular cartilage, which covers the ends of bones and allows smooth movement, and menisci, which are C-shaped cushions that provide stability and absorb shock. Four main ligaments stabilize the knee: anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), medial collateral ligament (MCL), and lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The knee serves several important functions in the body, including:
Weight Bearing: The knee supports the body’s weight during activities such as standing, walking, running, and jumping.
Movement: It allows for flexion (bending) and extension (straightening) of the leg, enabling a wide range of movements necessary for various physical activities.
Stability: The knee provides stability to the leg, especially during activities that involve changes in direction or when the body is in motion.
Shock Absorption: The menisci and cartilage in the knee act as shock absorbers, reducing the impact on the bones during activities that involve forceful movements, such as jumping or running.
Facilitation of Mobility: The knee plays a crucial role in activities like climbing stairs, squatting, and pivoting, contributing to overall mobility and functionality.
Propagation of Force: The knee transfers forces generated in the upper body to the lower body and vice versa, contributing to overall biomechanical efficiency during movement.
WHAT IS MINIMALLY INVASIVE KNEE REPLACEMENT?
Minimally invasive knee replacement is a surgical procedure used to replace a damaged or worn-out knee joint with an artificial implant. Knee implants come in various shapes, sizes, and materials, tailored to each patient’s anatomy and lifestyle. Surgeons may choose a specific implant based on age, activity level, and joint structure, and even custom implants that are now available. The use of modified, advanced techniques and instruments allows the surgeon to place the same clinically proven implants used in standard surgery but through a much smaller incision and without cutting through the quadricep tendons and muscles. Specially designed instruments are used to prepare and place the femur and tibia implants properly. In addition to a shorter incision, the technique used to open the knee is less invasive. In general, techniques used in a minimally invasive total knee replacement are “quadriceps sparing,” meaning they avoid trauma to the quadriceps tendon and muscles in the front of the thigh. Other minimally invasive techniques called “midvastus” and “subvastus” make small incisions in the muscle but are also less invasive than a traditional total knee replacement. The smaller incisions used in minimally invasive knee surgery reduce the risk of infection compared to larger incisions in open surgery. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with certain medical conditions or a higher susceptibility to infections.
Read more about Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement on our new Colorado Springs Orthopedic News Site – Colorado Springs Orthopedic News. Schedule an appointment with a knee specialist today.
