What is the Difference Between Replacement and Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement, or as simple as knee arthroplasties, is a surgical process to replace the weak-growing areas of the knee joint in order to alleviate pain and disability resulting from knee injuries. It's most often performed for traumatic knee conditions like osteoarthritis and for rheumatic arthritis, as well as for other knee ailments. Reconstructive surgery, like the knee replacement in Brisbane, can restore normal function of the knee without the use of crutches or other artificial supports. Patients who undergo arthroplasty typically experience a high degree of improvement and have long-term benefits. Unfortunately, some conditions may require more drastic reconstructive surgery.

For example, if the patellar tendon has been torn, then the patient will have to undergo hip-repositioning and strengthening exercises in addition to knee replacement surgery to achieve good results. In many instances, patients are able to resume sporting activities after only one visit to the rehabilitation center. However, more serious injuries may require additional rehabilitation.

During a typical knee replacement surgery, the patient will be placed under general anesthetic. The incision will be made and the surgeon will operate to make a large incision inside the knee joint. The surgeon then inserts an arthroscope (camera) into the incision to see beyond the knee joint. The surgeon will then make the necessary adjustments, such as realigning the knee cap, knee joints and muscles, according to the needs of the patient. The surgeon may also apply a bandage over the incision and guide it as the prosthesis grows and stabilizes on the thighbone.

Most hospitals require that the patients be admitted and given the all-clear before undergoing any type of surgical procedure. If the hospital is not fully equipped to provide for hospital-grade epidural anesthesia, then the surgeon will usually resort to performing the operation in the physician's office using local anesthesia. The cost of the procedure and any post-operative care required will be billed to the hospital system. The hospital will reimburse the medical center for the costs of any epidural medications or other items used.

The benefits of outpatient surgery far outweigh the time and expense associated with hospital admission. In most cases, patients can return to work immediately following their hospital stay. Epidural injections are less painful than hospital-level procedures, such as arthroscopic knee replacements, which means less pain medication is required. This translates into fewer missed days at work and reduced out-patient costs.

There are some inherent advantages to the outpatient procedure. One of the primary reasons many patients choose the non-surgical option is due to less time spent in the hospital. Patients who choose the traditional total knee replacement surgery will spend a significant amount of time in the hospital. In addition to being admitted, the surgical staff will need to perform invasive tests, x-rays, and possible anesthetic. Most patients require multiple visits to the hospital, as the recovery process is quite lengthy.

An incision is made in the femur, or thigh bone, through which a balloon catheter is inserted and inflated. This inflated catheter is then guided through the incisions by a small camera attached to a computerized system that provides images of the site of the incisions. The images are then analyzed by the surgeon to assess the damage done. The surgeon will decide if the damaged structure requires a replacement of the damaged cartilage or if it can simply be corrected with the use of ligament and bone plugs.

The minimally invasive procedure is more advantageous financially for the surgeon, but the results are far less damaging to the knee. The traditional replacement procedure is quicker, but more invasive. Both involve the introduction of foreign materials into the body, which can be potentially dangerous and cause significant discomfort and pain for the patient. A surgical procedure using arthroscopic techniques is less invasive and therefore is becoming more popular among patients who do not require the recovery time from a minimally invasive procedure.

Queensland Orthopaedic Clinic is a group of like-minded, sub-specialist trained medical professionals providing personalised patient care.