Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Minimally invasive knee replacement is a surgical procedure which practices smaller incisions & minimal cutting of tissue around the knee, so as to replace a damaged knee joint with an artificial one.
Individual undergoing knee replacement surgery is more inclined to opt for minimally invasive surgery compared to traditional knee replacement because of less pain, reduced blood loss, faster post-surgery recovery & shorter stay in hospitals.
But minimally invasive surgery may not be for everyone. Specific medical conditions & health criteria should be met to undergo the procedure.
What is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?
Surgeons replace the knee joint through a smaller incision in minimally invasive knee replacement, compared to traditional knee replacement surgery. This approach leads to less damage to the surrounding tissues, quicker recovery, and less pain post-surgery. The procedure uses advanced technology to ensure precision, ensuring that patients can return to their normal activities faster.
Why is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Important?
The traditional knee replacement surgery requires a larger incision, which can lead to more pain, a longer hospital stay, and a prolonged recovery period. Minimally invasive surgery addresses these challenges by reducing trauma to the body and minimizing the time needed for healing. This procedure has proven to be more effective for patients who need to return to their everyday routine quickly.
Key benefits of MIKR include:
Quicker rehabilitation
Smaller incisions
Faster recovery time
Less blood loss
Lower risk of infection
Less postoperative pain
Who is a Suitable Candidate ?
- A candidate who is below 65 can consider undergoing the knee replacement via a minimally invasive procedure.
- Individual who is thin & has a slender body type, not obese or extra muscular. The more obese and heavier a person is, the longer the surgeon needs to make the incision to perform the surgery effectively, which is why surgeons do not recommend minimally invasive knee replacement for obese people.
- A candidate who don’t have any joint or bone deformities like bow legs, osteoporosis, etc.
- Body frame criteria should be considered. Small or medium body frame can opt for minimally invasive knee replacement. An individual with bigger implant replacement tends to have more complication
- A patient who is well aware of the replacement procedure and desires to go for it.
Your orthopedic surgeon will examine you & confirm if you are the right candidate to undergo minimally invasive surgery. Consult your orthopedic or knee surgeon to know whether you are a suitable candidate or not to undergo minimally invasive knee replacement.
This article was reviewed and co-authored by Kunal Makhija – M.S Orthopedic & Joint replacement surgeon