The Facts About Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
Recently, minimally invasive knee replacement has made a mark in the world of orthopedic surgery. This technique is a tremendous advance in performing total knee replacement surgery. It is also a far more challenging surgery.
Minimally invasive knee surgery reduces trauma by using smaller incisions that expose the joint less. In fact, the incision used in this type of surgery are 50% smaller than those used in traditional total knee replacement surgery. Because of this, the recipient of minimally invasive knee surgery can expect reduced pain, a brief hospital stay, and a speedy rehabilitation 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.
In general, these are the accepted findings. It is worth noting that these findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies show dramatic reduction of pain, hospital stay, and rehabilitation. Others show that these aspects of recovery are quite similar to those experienced with standard knee replacement surgery.
Additionally, the risks of this method of surgery have not truly been documented; however, there is no reason to believe that they are substantially different from those associated with any knee surgery. This is a topic you will want to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.
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Time At The Hospital
After your surgery, you will probably have a brief stay in the hospital. You may be experiencing a bit of pain after surgery, but you will be given medications to manage it.
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.
After any surgery, it is important to keep your lungs clear. Breathe deeply and cough from time to time to avoid lung congestion.
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.
CPM: Continuous Passive Motion may also be recommended. You will receive this therapy from an exercise machine that will keep your leg elevated and in constant, gentle movement while you are at rest. This will reduce the risk of blood clots and increase the flexibility of your knee.
Minimally invasive knee surgery reduces trauma by using smaller incisions that expose the joint less. In fact, the incision used in this type of surgery are 50% smaller than those used in traditional total knee replacement surgery. Because of this, the recipient of minimally invasive knee surgery can expect reduced pain, a brief hospital stay, and a speedy rehabilitation 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.
In general, these are the accepted findings. It is worth noting that these findings are not entirely consistent. Some studies show dramatic reduction of pain, hospital stay, and rehabilitation. Others show that these aspects of recovery are quite similar to those experienced with standard knee replacement surgery.
Additionally, the risks of this method of surgery have not truly been documented; however, there is no reason to believe that they are substantially different from those associated with any knee surgery. This is a topic you will want to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.
Click here for more on minimally invasive surgery .
Time At The Hospital
After your surgery, you will probably have a brief stay in the hospital. You may be experiencing a bit of pain after surgery, but you will be given medications to manage it.
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.
After any surgery, it is important to keep your lungs clear. Breathe deeply and cough from time to time to avoid lung congestion.
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.
CPM: Continuous Passive Motion may also be recommended. You will receive this therapy from an exercise machine that will keep your leg elevated and in constant, gentle movement while you are at rest. This will reduce the risk of blood clots and increase the flexibility of your knee.
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, arthroscopy surgery and total knee.