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For a procedure that provides reduced trauma and pain, shorter hospital stay, and brief rehabilitation, minimally invasive knee surgery is the latest and best option. This method, while quite challenging as a surgical procedure, is a tremendous advance in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Because smaller incisions are used than in traditional knee replacement surgery, the joint is exposed far less. This translates into less pain and trauma. A patient who has a successful minimally invasive knee surgery procedure can expect to be hospitalized a very short time and have a quick and easy recovery period.

This surgery is recommended for the patient who is of an average weight and activity level. The patient should have fairly good ROM (range of motion) and be relatively free of knee deformity. A patient who meets all of these criteria and has a successful procedure will be hospitalized for 3 days or less and will have little or no inpatient rehabilitation process.

One thing you should keep in mind is that these findings are somewhat disputed. Most studies find the above statements to be true. There are, however, some studies that show that the pain experienced, length of hospital stay, and intensity of rehabilitation are the same as that one would experience with traditional total knee replacement surgery.

Additionally, the risks of this method of surgery have not truly been documented; however, there is no reason to believe that they are substantially different from those associated with any knee surgery. This is a topic you will want to discuss with your orthopedic surgeon.

Click here for more on minimally invasive knee replacement .

The Hospital Stay

You will have a brief hospital stay following your surgery. During this time you may be feeling a bit of pain. You will be glad to know that you will be given medication to deal with it.

Be sure to discuss your medication regimen with your orthopedic surgeon in advance of your surgery. You do not want any surprises. This is a very important part of your recovery, so it should go smoothly. Also, be prepared to begin moving your knee right away after surgery. This is also quite important to your overall recovery.

After any surgery, it is important to keep your lungs clear. Breathe deeply and cough from time to time to avoid lung congestion.

After knee surgery, clotting in the leg veins may be a problem. This is typically treated with a variety of measures, including support hose, compression boots, elevating the legs, and using medications to thin the blood. Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe the method or methods that will be most useful to you.

Additionally, you may use an exercise machine called a continuous passive motion (CPM) machine. This machine keeps your leg in constant gentle motion while you are at rest. It also keeps your leg elevated. The combination of motion and elevation increases flexibility of the knee while reducing the risk of clotting.

Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, orthopaedics and ACL reconstruction.