When Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement Surgery Is Necessary

Learn when minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery is necessary in this video from Tri-County Orthopedics surgeon, Dr. Robert Goldman.

Dr. Goldman: Hi, my name is Dr. Robert Goldman, and I'm a member of Tri-County Orthopedics. I specialize in disorders of the hip, knee, and shoulder. I did fellowship training in sports medicine and total joint replacement.

Minimally invasive total knee replacement is really a technique of performing a total knee replacement through smaller incisions and less invasive surgery. It allows us to avoid cutting the muscles around the knee, and that allows for a quicker recovery and less painful recovery.

Minimally invasive total knee replacement is recommended for patients who have good flexibility of their knee, who don't have many prior surgeries to the knee, and are looking for a faster recovery after this operation. Once a patient has been recommended to have a minimally invasive total knee replacement, they will need to see their medical doctor to make sure that they are healthy enough to undergo the procedure. I also prefer patients to begin an exercise program prior to the surgery, so when they come to the surgery they are in relatively good shape, and that will allow for a quicker return to their full function.

Patients who undergo minimally invasive total knee replacement will find that they recover quicker, have a greater range of motion earlier on, and will be able to return to their normal activities at a better, quicker pace than someone who has a standard total knee replacement. Postoperative instructions after minimally invasive total knee replacement include immediate physical therapy, being up and walking on the knee right away after the surgery, and generally, a quicker discharge from the hospital.