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.

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.

Another thing to consider is the fact that the risks of this surgery have not been formally studied or documented; however, they are surely quite similar to those of any other knee replacement surgery. For the most recent information on this, consult your orthopedic surgeon.

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Your 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.

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.

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.

Blood clotting sometimes causes problems after knee surgery. To keep the veins in your legs free of clots, your orthopedic surgeon may prescribe blood thinning medications, compressive stockings, compression boots, and/or elevation.

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, knee anatomy and full knee replacement.

Speeding Up Your Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy

Recovery from knee arthroscopy is fairly quick, especially when compared with recovery from open knee surgery. Still, it is important to follow all of your orthopedic surgeons instructions for the fastest recovery possible.

Managing Swelling

Your orthopedic surgeon is sure to instruct you to keep your leg elevated during the first few days after surgery. Additionally, you can use ice to keep pain and swelling under control.

How to Manage Your Bandage

You will leave the hospital with a bandaged knee. It is important to keep that bandage on for the first day. After you take it off, it is OK to take a shower, but be sure not to spray water right on your knee. Keep your knee clean and dry until the incisions are healed. Definitely avoid soaking in the bath.

You will go to the orthopedic surgeons office a few days after your surgery for a follow-up. The orthopedic surgeon will tell you about the surgical findings and inform you about your plan of treatment for recovery.

What About Weight Bearing?

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Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend that you use an assistive device like crutches, a walker, or a cane after your surgery, but this is unlikely. Usually, you can walk without assistance following arthroscopy. You may have a little trouble bearing weight on the leg at first, but this will resolve as time passes and your leg becomes stronger and stronger. You should avoid driving for about a week. Be sure to double-check with your orthopedic surgeon before you begin driving again.

Following Your Exercise Plan Closely Will Help

Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe some exercises for you to do after your surgery. He or she may even refer you to a physical therapist for specialized work. Whatever the instructions are, be sure to follow them exactly to facilitate quick and thorough recovery.

Antibiotics and Pain Medications

It is typical to return home with a prescription for preventative antibiotics and another for pain medications. Be sure to follow instructions carefully to prevent infection and keep your pain and discomfort at a minimum.

Complications Are Rare

Arthroscopic knee surgery rarely generates complications. If any occur, they are usually mild and easily managed. They include, an accumulation of blood around the knee, possible blood clots, and possible infection.

Indications of Complication

Contact your orthopedic surgeon ASAP if you experience:

1) A high, persistent fever

2) Chills

3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee

4) Increasing or persistent pain

5) Swelling in the knee that seems exaggerated

6) Calf muscle pain that increases

Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Labral Surgery in Oregon and Tigard Labral Repair.