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.
Minimally invasive knee surgery is not for every patient. To be a good candidate, you must be non-obese, have fair ROM (range of motion) in your knee, and not have much knee deformity. If you fit this description, you may very well be able to take advantage of this advanced procedure that can provide you with a hospital stay of one to three days and a very minimal period of rehabilitation.
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.
Click here for more on minimally invasive knee replacement .
Time At The Hospital
You will have a brief hospital stay following your surgery. During this time you may be feeling a bit of pain. You will be glad to know that you will be given medication to deal with it.
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.
Your orthopedic surgeon will probably prescribe measures to prevent blood clotting in your leg veins. These measures might include compression boots, elevation, support stockings, and blood thinning medications.
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. - 29951
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.
Minimally invasive knee surgery is not for every patient. To be a good candidate, you must be non-obese, have fair ROM (range of motion) in your knee, and not have much knee deformity. If you fit this description, you may very well be able to take advantage of this advanced procedure that can provide you with a hospital stay of one to three days and a very minimal period of rehabilitation.
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.
Click here for more on minimally invasive knee replacement .
Time At The Hospital
You will have a brief hospital stay following your surgery. During this time you may be feeling a bit of pain. You will be glad to know that you will be given medication to deal with it.
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.
Your orthopedic surgeon will probably prescribe measures to prevent blood clotting in your leg veins. These measures might include compression boots, elevation, support stockings, and blood thinning medications.
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. - 29951
About the Author:
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, arthroscopic surgeon and torn ACL surgery.
