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By Wolfgang Fitz, MD, Associate Surgeon, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Total knee replacement surgery is an effective solution often recommended for patients who are experiencing knee pain or loss-of-function that can no longer be helped by medications, exercise, physical therapy and other treatments.
Surgeons are now using a minimally invasive technique that is as effective as traditional open surgery but provides the advantages of smaller incisions, less blood loss and pain, and less trauma and damage to the tissue surrounding the knee. While studies are currently underway, it is believed that these benefits lead to a quicker recovery and rehabilitation for patients.
Surgical Solution
Knee replacement surgery removes damaged cartilage and replaces the ends of the thigh and lower leg bones of the damaged knee joint to create new joint surfaces. Most patients who need knee replacement surgery (not those with major skeletal deformities or fragile skin) are appropriate for the minimally invasive technique in which surgeons use advanced image-guided instruments that enable them to view the surgical site and perform the operation without making a large, open incision. Because the size of the incision is partially based on the size of the implant, larger patients who need larger implants have longer incisions.
Road to Recovery
Patients who undergo traditional knee replacement surgery generally spend one month on crutches, one month with a cane, and one month to finish rehabilitation. Rehabilitation after knee replacement surgery usually requires daily exercises for several weeks with the goal of allowing the patient to bend the knee without pain. With the new minimally invasive technique, rehabilitation needs may be less extensive.
Future of Knee Replacement
The minimally invasive knee replacement technique was developed using what is known from traditional open knee replacement surgery. With the goal of improving techniques and the process of recovery for patients, it is expected that an important advancement will be a more enhanced use of computers (already used at Brigham and Women’s Hospital for measuring the alignment of the joint during surgery) for surgical assistance – offering a better view of and access to the joint.
Other important advances on the horizon include developments in anesthesia and pain management that will speed rehabilitation and play a pivotal role in successful minimally invasive knee replacement surgery.
View Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery On-Line
Brigham and Women’s Hospital has developed a series of live surgical webcasts aimed at educating physicians and the general public about new, innovative surgical procedures. Visit www.brighamandwomens.org/surgerywebcast to view an archived webcast of the minimally invasive rotating platform total knee replacement procedure, performed in May by orthopedic surgeon Wofgang Fitz, MD.
Knee and Joint Care at Brigham and Women’s/Faulkner Hospitals
Call 1-877-BWF-5773 today to make an appointment at our Orthopedic and Arthritis Center, where we can connect you with our expert orthopedic surgeons and rheumatologists. Brigham and Women’s/Faulkner Hospitals provide comprehensive care of rheumatic diseases and treatments for orthopedic injuries and conditions using an integrated approach. From prevention to diagnosis, to pain management, surgery, and therapy, the physicians and surgeons of Brigham and Women’s and Faulkner Hospitals can meet a full spectrum of needs using the most advanced treatments and latest technologies. In addition to the two hospitals, outpatient services are available in several convenient locations – including Boston, Chestnut Hill, Jamaica Plain and Braintree.
