Minimally Invasive Total knee Replacement
Total knee arthroplasty, also called as total knee replacement is a surgical option to treat arthritis of the knee where the complete knee joint is replaced with artificial knee components. The surgery can be performed using traditional approach using larger incisions or with minimally invasive procedure where multiple smaller incisions are used to perform total knee arthroplasty. Less invasive approach has gained more popularity than the traditional open surgery because of the advantages such as:
- Minimal tissue damage – muscles and tendons are avoided or separated, not cut
- Quicker and less painful rehabilitation
- Smaller incisions and minimal scarring – two incisions of 1½ to 2 inches each, rather than one 10- to 12-inch incision
- Minimized hospital stay – 1-2 days (vs. 3-5 days); some patients go home in less than 24 hours
- Minimal blood loss and less need for pre-surgery blood donation
- Faster return to work and daily activities
