Muscle Sparing Knee Replacement: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Knee Arthritis

Total Knee Replacement Surgery is a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing surgical treatment for treating knee arthritis that lessens tissue trauma and improves patient outcomes.

The advantages of minimally invasive, muscle-sparing joint replacement include:

• Small incision up to six inches, compared to 10-12 inch incision with traditional surgery
• No cutting of the quadricep tendon
• Less thigh pain and weakness
• No general anesthesia and breathing tube
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Discharge home same day as surgery
• Moving without walker or cane within two weeks after surgery, on average

What Is the Procedure for Minimally Invasive, Muscle-Sparing Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

The orthopedic surgeon performs minimally invasive, muscle-sparing Total Knee Replacement Surgery according to the following procedure:

• The surgery is performed under spinal anesthesia and a nerve block around the knee, which avoids general anesthesia and a breathing tube.
• The surgeon makes small incisions which are only 4 to 6 inches.
• The surgeon lifts off the quadricep tendon and muscle, then cuts the damaged portions of the femur at the appropriate angles using specialized tools.
• The surgeon attaches the femoral component at the end of the femur with or without bone cement, then removes the damaged area of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage, creating a smooth surface to which implants can be attached.
• The surgeon secures the tibial component to the end of the bone with or without cement, then places a plastic articular surface between these implants to ensure a smooth gliding movement.
• The surgeon puts together the femur and the tibia bone with their new components to form the new knee joint. With all its new components in place, the surgeon examines the knee joint through its range of motion.
• The surgeon closes the incision with surgical glue leaving the patient with minimal postoperative wound care, then places a surgical dressing or bandage over the incision.

Your knees are critical to your day-to-day life. If you need Total Knee Replacement Surgery, minimally invasive, muscle-sparing surgery can get you moving again, without the same risks and complications of conventional surgery. Let us show you how.

Watch Dr. Michael McHugh explain Total Knee Replacement Surgery.