Living with chronic knee pain can be debilitating, keeping you from the activities you love and diminishing your quality of life. If you’ve tried non-surgical treatments without success, you may be a candidate for knee replacement surgery. At California Pacific Orthopaedics, our team of board-certified surgeons in San Francisco specializes in minimally invasive partial and total knee replacement, offering a less invasive approach to knee arthroplasty that can get you back on your feet faster.
Overview of Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure to resurface a knee damaged by arthritis. The goal is to relieve pain and restore function to the knee joint. In a traditional knee replacement, the surgeon makes a large incision to access the knee joint. However, with a minimally invasive approach, the surgeon uses smaller incisions and specialized techniques to reduce trauma to the muscles and tissues surrounding the knee.
There are two main types of minimally invasive knee replacement:
- Partial Knee Replacement (Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty): This procedure is an option when arthritis is confined to a single compartment of the knee. The surgeon replaces only the damaged portion of the knee, preserving the healthy bone and cartilage.
- Total Knee Replacement: This procedure is necessary when arthritis has damaged all three compartments of the knee. The surgeon replaces the entire knee joint with an artificial implant, called a prosthesis.
The orthopedic surgeons at California Pacific Orthopaedics will work with you to determine which type of knee replacement is right for your specific needs and condition.
Why is a Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Done?
The primary reason for a minimally invasive knee replacement is to relieve the pain and disability caused by severe knee arthritis. When non-surgical treatments such as medication, injections, and physical therapy are no longer effective, knee replacement surgery can provide a long-term solution.
Some of the conditions that may lead to the need for a knee replacement include:
- Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis, caused by the wear and tear of the cartilage in the knee joint over time.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and damage.
- Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This can develop after a knee injury, such as a fracture or ligament tear.
By replacing the damaged joint surfaces, a knee replacement can:
- Reduce or eliminate knee pain
- Improve mobility and function
- Allow you to return to your daily activities
- Improve your overall quality of life
What to Expect Before, During, and After the Procedure
Before the Procedure:
Before your surgery, you will meet with your orthopedic surgeon at California Pacific Orthopaedics to discuss the procedure in detail. You will undergo a thorough medical evaluation, including blood tests and imaging studies, to ensure you are healthy enough for surgery. Your surgeon will also provide you with specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery, such as which medications to stop taking and when to stop eating and drinking.
It’s also important to prepare your home for your recovery. This may include arranging for help with daily tasks, setting up a recovery area on the first floor of your home, and removing any tripping hazards.
During the Procedure:
Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgery center. You will be given either general anesthesia (you will be asleep) or regional anesthesia (you will be awake but numb from the waist down).
The surgeon will make one or more small incisions over your knee. Using specialized instruments, the surgeon will remove the damaged bone and cartilage and replace them with the artificial components of the new knee joint. The procedure typically takes one to two hours.
After the Procedure:
After surgery, you will be taken to a recovery room where you will be monitored closely. You may experience some pain and swelling, which can be managed with medication. Most patients are able to go home the same day or the day after surgery.
Recovery and Rehabilitation:
Physical therapy is a critical part of your recovery. A physical therapist will teach you exercises to help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your new knee. You will likely need to use a walker or crutches for a few weeks after surgery.
Most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few months of surgery. With proper care and rehabilitation, your new knee can last for many years, allowing you to live a more active and pain-free life.
If you are suffering from chronic knee pain and are considering knee replacement surgery, contact California Pacific Orthopaedics in San Francisco today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced orthopedic surgeons. We are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality of care and helping them return to the activities they love.
