Camille Clinton, MD
Knee replacement is an extremely successful procedure which is performed for severe knee arthritis when symptoms can no longer be relieved by non-operative measures. There are no strict age criteria for patients undergoing knee replacement, but patients do need to be in adequate health to undergo surgery and actively participate in the recovery period. Over 600,000 knee replacements are performed in the United States annually. As the population ages and the incidence of knee arthritis increases this number is predicted to exceed 3 million by the year 2030.
Traditional knee replacement requires a large incision, significant soft tissue disruption and often a 3-5 day hospital stay. Minimally invasive knee replacement results in a much smaller incision, decreased soft tissue disruption and more rapid recovery. Some patients can undergo knee replacement as an outpatient surgery (no hospital stay) and most others just stay overnight in the hospital. In addition, due to less soft tissue disruption, the recovery is faster with a more rapid return of walking and range of motion. In addition we routinely use computer navigation in the operating room. This means a computer gives real time measurements in the operating room to confirm exact cuts and placement of our implants. This has been shown to improve post-operative alignment in knee replacement surgery.
We also have techniques which have allowed for improved pain control post-operatively. Joint blocks given in the operating room with very long acting anesthetics significantly reduce pain for the first 2-3 days following surgery. This allows patients to begin therapy and motion with less difficulty. It also helps to decrease the need for strong pain medications the first few days.
The combination of minimally invasive, computer navigated knee replacement has improved our patient’s recovery, range of motion and satisfaction.
