In minimally invasive knee replacement, the surgical procedure is similar, but there is
less cutting of the tissue surrounding the knee. The artificial implants used are the same
as those used for traditional knee replacement. However, specially designed surgical
instruments are used to prepare the femur and tibia and to place the implants properly.
Minimally invasive knee replacement is performed through a shorter incision—4 to 6
inches versus 8 to 10 inches for traditional knee replacement. A smaller incision allows
for less tissue disturbance.
In addition to a shorter incision, the technique used to open the knee is less invasive. In
general, techniques used in minimally invasive 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 traditional knee
replacement. Because the techniques used to expose the joint involve less disruption to
the muscle, it may lead to less postoperative pain and reduced recovery time.
The hospital stay after minimally invasive surgery is similar in length to the stay after
traditional knee replacement surgery--ranging from 1 to 4 days. Physical rehabilitation is
a critical component of recovery. Your surgeon or a physical therapist will provide you
with specific exercises to help increase your range of motion and restore your strength.
