Minimally invasive knee surgery is an innovation that offers a range of benefits over traditional open surgery. Through it, orthopedic surgeons can replace part or the entire knee joint without needing to make a large incision. They can also make repairs to damaged ligaments in the knee, resulting in less post-operative pain for the patient, among other things.
Read on to learn more about minimally invasive knee surgery, its advantages, and expected outcomes from the procedure.
Uses of Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
Minimally invasive knee surgery can address a spectrum of knee-related issues, from wear and tear to arthritis and injuries.
An orthopedic surgeon may recommend minimally invasive knee surgery for the following:
- To repair the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament)
- To repair a torn meniscus
- To replace part of the knee joint
- To replace the entire knee joint
Whatever the reasons for a minimally invasive knee surgery, the goal is to improve symptoms and knee function through surgical repair while disrupting the least amount of healthy tissue.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery
There are many advantages to having minimally invasive knee surgery. Some of the benefits include:
Reduced Tissue Trauma
Minimally invasive knee surgery reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, leading to less postoperative pain, reduced scarring, less bleeding, and quicker healing.
Faster Recovery
Due to the reduced tissue trauma, patients typically experience a faster recovery. Patients often have a shorter stay at the surgical facility or hospital, as well as a shorter overall recovery period.
Lower Infection Risk
Smaller incisions and less tissue manipulation and exposure to pathogens contribute to a lower risk of infection compared to open surgery.
Less Blood Loss
Minimally invasive techniques, due to the smaller size of incisions, are associated with minimal blood loss, reducing the need for blood transfusions, and decreasing the likelihood of postoperative complications.
Preservation of Healthy Tissue
In minimally invasive knee surgeries, there is less cutting of healthy tissue to access the damaged area, preserving healthy bone and ligaments. This approach helps maintain natural knee function and mobility.
Precision and Visualization
Minimally invasive knee surgery often employs arthroscopic technology, providing orthopedic surgeons with high-definition visualization of the joint. This precision enhances the surgeon’s ability to be precise and accurate throughout the procedure.
Expected Outcome and Recovery
The expected outcome of minimally invasive knee surgery is less pain and better joint function. Patients who undergo the procedure generally have a more comfortable recovery, and the procedure itself, whether it’s arthroscopy or a joint replacement, has a high success rate.
While the outcome of minimally invasive knee surgery is generally positive, individual experiences can vary. Factors such as the patient’s overall health and their commitment to rehabilitation can influence the final result. Physical therapy is an integral part of the recovery process, helping patients regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected knee.
The surgeon’s training and experience are also important considerations for surgery success.
Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery in North Dakota
The orthopedic surgeons at The Bone & Joint Center are highly experienced in minimally invasive knee surgery, whether it’s to repair damaged meniscus or ligaments or to replace a damaged joint. We offer outpatient knee replacements and use the highly advanced MAKOplasty® robotic technology for the right patients. We are also highly qualified to perform knee revision surgery, a highly complex procedure requiring exceptional surgical expertise.
Find out if minimally invasive knee surgery is right for you. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (701) 946-7400 / (866) 900-8650 or use our convenient online request form.
