Knee replacement surgery may be performed in a minimally invasive way. The way it works is that a surgeon makes small incisions on the patient’s body to insert surgical instruments and a special camera into it. The camera allows the surgeon to see inside the joint clearly during surgery. Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery can provide the following benefits to a patient over traditional surgery:

• Less blood loss
• Reduced pain
• Smaller scars
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery

Minimally invasive knee replacement uses the same implants as traditional technique, but specially designed instruments are used to properly secure the implants. Hospital stay after minimally invasive knee surgery is similar to traditional knee replacement. This ranges from same-day (outpatient) surgery to up to 4 days of hospital stay. As you recover from surgery, your physical therapist or surgeon will recommend physical rehabilitation exercises to help restore your joint function and improve your range of motion.

There are no age or weight restrictions for a candidate for total knee replacement surgery. Only an orthopedic doctor can assess a patient’s qualification for surgery. If you have the following knee conditions and injuries, your orthopedic doctor may recommend knee surgery:

• Knee arthritis is osteoarthritis that happens when the cartilage within the knee joint starts to break down, and the underlying bones begin to change, which may lead to pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Bone tumors are formed when the cells in a bone divide and develop a lump or mass of abnormal tissue.
• Osteonecrosis is a bone disease that may cause the death of bone tissues and the joints that surround the bone to collapse.
• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that may cause joint pain, damage and swelling.
• Posttraumatic arthritis can be caused by a severe knee injury. This can lead to knee pain and limited function due to knee fracture and ligament tear that damages the articular cartilage over time.
• Non-inflammatory or inflammatory degenerative joint disease.
• Loss of joint cartilage.

Our skilled orthopedic team assesses each patient individually, providing personalized recommendations based on their unique circumstances.

More than 90% of total knee replacements are well-functioning 15 years after surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). However, it’s good to note that knee replacement performance and lifespan usually vary per person, depending on your lifestyle. It may also be affected by wear and tear caused by movements. Some patients may need to have their artificial joints revised at some point in their lifetime. Follow your orthopedic surgeon’s instructions on taking care of your post-surgery knee and general health to help maintain the long-term functionality of your replacement implant.

At Desert Care Network Primary and Specialty Orthopedic Care, we prioritize longevity and durability, ensuring that our patients’ knee replacement prostheses stand the test of time. We strive to offer you a solution that supports your lifestyle for years to come.

After the knee replacement procedure, your doctor may require you to stay in the hospital for a few days depending on age, comorbidities or any condition you have related to the affected joint. Your doctor will let you know when it is safe for you to go home. If you feel pain or initial discomfort in the replaced joint, don’t panic. It’s normal because your body is still going through healing, and your muscles are still weak from inactivity. Pain may last for up to several weeks, while swelling may last for two to three weeks. It may persist for up to three to six months. Bruising may also occur one to two weeks after the surgery.

Here are some tips to help you ease your recovery:

1. Manage your pain and swelling – stick to a schedule when taking your pain medication. Setting an alarm can help you keep track of your dosage schedule. Applying ice packs to the hurting joint may also help ease pain. Call a doctor if swelling becomes too much or is accompanied by fever, chills, wound drainage and other unusual symptoms.
2. Move around safely – knee replacement surgery patients will likely need a walker to help them get around for the first few weeks after surgery. After this period, a cane may be prescribed for an additional three weeks. During this time, make sure your pathways are free of hazards that may cause you to trip or fall. You may also have to avoid using the stairs as much as possible for the first few weeks after your hospital discharge.
3. Stay physically active – your doctor may recommend physical or occupational therapy to help restore your knee’s movement and strengthen your leg after surgery. These therapies may last up to three to four months, depending on your preferences and progress. The key is to stay on top of your therapy appointments and keep doing the exercises your therapists teach you. Most of these exercises are recommended to be done at home, where it’s generally safer.

Our team is committed to guiding you through your knee replacement surgery recovery. Aside from tailoring specific knee procedures for you, we also tailor recovery plans to your specific needs. We strive to provide you with comprehensive post-surgery care to ensure you have a smooth recovery that focuses on restoring your knee’s functionality.