What Is Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement? Expert Answers

Surgeries, be it of any kind, come with its own set of complications. You must have heard about knee replacement surgeries? Did you know there is also something called minimally invasive knee replacement? It is a variation of traditional total knee replacement. While a traditional knee replacement surgery requires an 8 to 12 inch incision, down the middle of the knee; minimally invasive knee replacement surgery requires a skin incision of only 3 to 6 inches. Moreover, minimally invasive knee replacement surgery causes less tissue damage and often a quicker recovery. Want to know more about it? Read ahead.

To get a better understanding of this, we interacted with Dr Gaurav Singh Bhandari, Director & Unit Head - Orthopaedics, Dharamshila Narayana Superspeciality Hospital, Delhi.

What Is Minimally Invasive Joint Replacement?

Let us start by understanding what minimally invasive joint/knee replacement actually is. Our expert explains this for you.

Dr Bhandari shares, “Minimally invasive joint replacement is an advanced surgical procedure that allows us to access the joint through smaller, appropriately positioned incisions, while leaving major muscles and soft tissues intact. By working between natural tissue planes rather than creating incisions directly through the tissue, we can place the implant with far less disruption. The result is a smoother post-operative course, less pain, and a more natural return of motion.”

Now, if you are wondering who should opt for minimally invasive knee replacement, we have this answer for you as well. “Minimally Invasive knee replacement is most appropriate for those who have severe arthritis – but their overall health, bone quality, and body weight allow for predictable healing. It works well if there are no major deformities in the knee joint and if the soft tissues are adequately preserved. All that being said, there is no assumption of appropriateness until after a thorough examination, images, and a discussion of expectations and goals of surgery,” explains the expert.

Also Read: Three out of Five Patients Choosing Robotic Knee Transplants: Orthopaedic Surgeon Explains Why

Recovery Time For Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

Now that we know what minimally invasive joint replacement actually is, let us try and understand how long it takes to recover from it.

Dr Bhandari shares, “Minimally invasive surgery preserves more of the surrounding tissues; and as the soft tissues are intact, patients are generally able to start walking with the aid of a support within the first 24 hours of the surgery.”

He adds, “A great number of patients return to their normal activities within a period of 3-6 weeks, and continue to regain their functionality over the following months. The time for a complete recovery is typically between 3 and 4 months, although a person's growth will definitely depend on his/her age, the level of mobility before surgery, and whether physiotherapy is followed afterwards or not.”

Tips To Prepare For Knee Replacement

Shedding more light on what knee replacement is, Dr Bhandari shares, “Knee replacement is a tried and tested operation, performed over the years, and is known for its progressive results. But nonetheless, it is a major operation that includes risk. The risks include infection, blood clotting, stiffness, worn implants over periods of time, and chronic pain. Serious complications are rare, but it is important to be honest. Typically, better results occur when an experienced surgical team performs the surgery and when patients follow a proposed rehabilitation plan.”

The expert mentions that efforts taken before surgery directly impact outcomes. On this note, Dr Bhandari shares some tips patients can follow to prepare for a knee replacement:

• Patients should get all necessary tests done.
• Their chronic conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes should be under control.
• They must quit smoking for a good period of time.
• Recovery becomes more effective if the quadriceps are strengthened and the general mobility is improved before the operation.
• Practical planning, for example organising house help and creating a safe space at home, is also important in the stage of first recovery.

Precautions To Take After Total Knee Replacement 

After a surgery, patients are always advised to follow certain protocols. Dr Bhandari shares the same for you to take note of:

• Patients must adhere to their recovery program step by step.
• They must not twist or perform any high-impact movement until they get clearance from the doctor.
• Physiotherapy is a must for proper recovery.
• It is crucial to maintain stability by using the support devices for the period that is indicated.
• The wound should be kept clean.
• The swelling can be relieved by elevating and icing.
• It is better to refrain from low seating, deep squats, or sudden changes of direction in the initial stage.
• If there are any infection symptoms like an area getting increasingly red, having a continuous fever, or experiencing new, sharp pain, then contact a doctor immediately.

Also Read: Better Implants Technology is Evolving: Here’s How Elderly People Get Active Life With Joint Replacement

The Final Word

Minimally invasive joint replacement is an advanced surgical procedure that allows us to access the joint through smaller, appropriately positioned incisions, while leaving major muscles and soft tissues intact. The expert mentions that efforts taken before surgery directly impact outcomes. So one must follow certain protocols before knee replacement for a successful operation. After the surgery as well, patients must follow certain precautions, as advised by the doctors.