What is Minimally Invasive Knee Surgery

Do you experience long-standing knee pain that interferes with daily tasks and movement?

At one time, conventional surgery was the only available treatment option; today, however, thanks to advances in medicine, minimally invasive knee surgery (MIKS) offers hope to those looking for relief. Although every situation must be assessed on an individual basis, MIKS could prove transformational when considering procedures as part of any plan of care.

This article provides information on MIKS, including its definition, potential benefits through the recovery process, and treatment options. By understanding MIKS, you can make more informed decisions regarding knee health and take steps toward living an active and pain-free life in the future.

Understanding minimally invasive knee surgery

In the past, knee surgeries were performed using larger incisions to access the joint for repairs or replacements. Minimally invasive knee surgery (MIKS) provides an alternative.

MIKS refers to using small incisions and advanced surgical techniques to gain access to knee joints for repairs or replacement, leading to less damage as well as faster healing times.

Advantages of minimally invasive knee surgery 

Minimally invasive knee surgery offers several advantages over conventional knee surgeries that could significantly benefit a patient's experience and recovery process.

Here is an outline of these key advantages:

• Reduced tissue trauma: MIKS uses smaller incisions, thereby limiting tissue disruption and promoting faster healing. 
• Less pain: As minimally invasive knee surgery typically causes less tissue trauma than traditional surgeries, patients typically report reduced post-op pain following the procedures.
• Faster recovery: Minimally invasive knee surgery often leads to faster recoveries, with patients returning quickly to daily activities by minimizing tissue damage and speeding healing times.
• Shorter hospital stay: Due to the smaller incisions and faster recovery associated with MIKS, hospital stays may be significantly shorter than those associated with traditional surgery procedures.
• Minimized blood loss: Minimally invasive knee surgery procedures often result in less blood loss, making the procedure especially ideal for individuals at higher risk for bleeding complications. 

Note: Minimally invasive knee surgery may not be suitable for everyone or all knee procedures. Consulting with an orthopedic surgeon to assess whether you qualify and to discuss possible benefits and risks specific to your situation is key to finding out.

Risks of minimally invasive knee surgery 

Minimally invasive knee surgery offers many advantages; however, patients must remain aware of all potential complications before undertaking such treatment. Here is a breakdown of some potential issues related to MIKS surgery:

• Infection
• Bleeding
• Blood clots
• Nerve injury
• Implant loosening
• Limited knee motion

Though these complications are relatively uncommon, it's wise to maintain open communication with the healthcare team. You should discuss individual risk factors to ascertain if any apply specifically to you, and be assured they're extremely rare occurrences.

Conditions which need minimally invasive knee surgery

Minimally invasive knee surgery isn't suitable for everyone. However, if your knees have suffered severe joint damage, MIKS might be the best solution. Some conditions that may require MIKS are:

• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, commonly known as wear-and-tear arthritis, is the most significant cause of knee joint degeneration. As time passes, the cartilage that protects it gets worn out, eventually leading to stiffness, pain, and a loss of mobility.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: Rheumatoid arthritis refers to an auto-immune condition that attacks the synovial membrane that lines the knee joint. This leads to pain, swelling, and even joint degeneration.
• Post-traumatic arthritis: Knee injuries or fractures can aggravate existing arthritis symptoms and require knee replacement surgeries in a few circumstances.
• Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis): This condition disrupts the flow of blood to bones, leading to bone death and eventually collapse. For the knee joint, this causes considerable pain, which demands the replacement of these structures.

It is important to note that not every person suffering from these ailments is eligible for minimally invasive knee surgery. A variety of factors, including the extent of the injury and health condition, as well as any deformities that affect the knee joint, will affect this determination by orthopedic specialists. 

Steps involved in minimally invasive knee surgery 

Your minimally invasive knee surgery may differ depending on the cause and extent of your knee issue. However, the general approach follows a common thread:

1. Pre-surgical preparation

An experienced orthopedic surgeon oversees this delicate operation. Depending on your requirements, general or spinal anesthesia will be administered for comfort and painlessness throughout the surgery. 

Your key indicators, like heart rate and blood pressure, will be closely monitored to ensure your safety during this intricate process. Furthermore, antibiotics may be prescribed preventively as a protective measure against infection.

2. Minimally invasive approach

MIKS stands apart from traditional surgery by employing smaller incisions ranging from 4 to 6 inches long, thus significantly minimizing muscle and tissue damage. Specialized techniques and tools are also utilized within such a limited surgical field for maximum success. 

3. Repair or replacement

Surgeons use smaller incisions to remove damaged portions of the knee joint (femur, tibia, and sometimes kneecap). Following precise removal, artificial implants are positioned to restore joint function.

4. Closure of incision 

Once the procedure is over, a surgeon carefully closes each small incision using sutures or special adhesives. Compared to traditional surgery, less postoperative discomfort and faster healing times are typically seen with MIKS due to smaller incisions.

Recovery after minimally invasive knee surgery 

Recovery after minimally invasive knee replacement (MIKS) surgery is vital in order to regain strength and mobility as you gradually return to everyday activities. Here is an outline of what you should expect:

Immediately following surgery

• Pain management: Following surgery, some discomfort will likely ensue at the incision site. Your physician can prescribe painkillers to ease this discomfort and ensure a swiffer healing experience.
• Diet: Your diet should return to its previous state fairly rapidly unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
• Imaging and discharge: Once implanted, x-rays are taken to verify its placement. Depending on how your progress goes, discharge could take place within 1-2 days of hospitalization.

Rehabilitation and recovery

• Weight-bearing and movement: Your doctor will give specific instructions regarding when and how much weight can be placed on the injured leg, along with initial limitations and exercises recommended to promote healing while preventing complications.
• Assistive devices: For short periods (days to weeks), assistive devices like canes, walkers, and crutches help improve walking and mobility.
• Physical therapy: Physical therapy plays an essential part in your recovery. They will guide you through exercises designed to restore range of motion, strengthen surrounding muscle groups, and promote overall balance and coordination improvements.
• Returning to activities: Within several weeks, most light activities should become manageable again. As this initial recovery phase passes, having extra help at home may make transitioning back easier.

Follow-Up care

• Regular appointments: Consistent follow-up appointments with your surgeon are important for monitoring progress, addressing concerns, and ensuring optimal healing. 
• Stitch removal: Stitches or staples used to close an incision should usually be removed within seven to ten days after surgery.

Remember, your doctor will customize a recovery plan specifically for you and your progress. Clear communication between the healthcare team and yourself throughout recovery is vitally important.

Conclusion 

Minimally invasive knee surgery (MIKS) can effectively treat knee issues. While this article offers comprehensive information, it is vital to consult an orthopedic surgeon for advice. They will assess your specific circumstances and guide you through every stage of this process.

If you're searching for "minimally invasive knee surgery near me," consider Titan Orthopedics. They are highly skilled, experienced surgeons who provide personalized care that ensures optimal knee health and gets patients back onto their feet quickly and comfortably.

Their staff understands the value of clear communication and works closely with the patients throughout the entire journey. Visit their titan orthopedics now to schedule your free consultation and explore your options!