Traditional Knee Replacement vs. Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement: What Is the Difference?

Traditional and minimally invasive knee replacement surgeries both aim to replace damaged knee joints, but the primary distinction between the two procedures is their level of invasiveness. Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery involves a smaller incision compared to a traditional knee replacement.
 
This approach offers patients several benefits, including reduced downtime, fewer side effects, and less risk of complications. Providers at Southern Sports Medicine Institute employ the “Southern Approach,” an innovative knee replacement solution. This procedure allows patients to go home on the day of the procedure as well as experience full weight-bearing capabilities within hours of the operation.
 
This outpatient knee replacement surgery minimizes pain, trauma, bleeding, and scarring compared to the traditional approach, making it a preferred option for many patients.
 
The “Southern Approach” enables individuals to drive within seven to ten days and return to higher levels of physical activity, such as extended walks, within two weeks. Patients typically experience no restrictions in range of motion or weight-bearing and can achieve normal knee function and range within four to six weeks.

There are various types of knee replacement surgeries, and the most suitable type depends on the patient’s specific condition. The most common type is total knee replacement, which involves making an incision down the front of the knee, moving the kneecap to the side, and replacing the damaged ends of the thigh bone and shin bone with new parts to form a new knee joint.
 
Another approach is partial knee replacement, often used when arthritis affects only part of the knee. In this procedure, the surgeon replaces only the bones on the affected side, which is a smaller operation and generally involves less recovery time.
 
The “Southern Approach” used at Southern Sports Medicine Institute is an innovative alternative performed without a tourniquet. This method preserves normal structures and functions, avoids major blood vessels and nerves, and is performed without general anesthesia or a breathing tube.
 
The procedure uses long-acting local anesthetics and IV sedation, with ultrasound-guided selective nerve blocks and 3D stereoscopic digital data mapping for highly precise surgery. This approach facilitates faster recovery, fewer side effects, and minimal risk of scarring.

Traditionally, the main disadvantage of minimally invasive knee replacement surgery was the surgeon’s limited access, which could make it challenging to achieve an ideal fit between the prosthetic and the joint and to correct the joint alignment.
 
However, advancements in computer-assisted navigation, such as those used in the “Southern Approach,” allow for ideal alignment, positioning, and balancing during the procedure, addressing these concerns.
 
While the “Southern Approach” is broadly applicable for various individuals seeking knee replacement, it may not be suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for elderly individuals, those with severe cardiac or pulmonary problems, poor physical conditioning, a BMI over 40, or diabetic patients with a hemoglobin A1C over seven.

Recovery from minimally invasive knee replacement can vary based on several factors, including the patient’s overall health, adherence to the rehabilitation program, and the extent of the correction required.
 
Specialists at Southern Sports Medicine Institute provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure the best results and a swift recovery. Patients can typically walk within hours and go home after the procedure.
 
Within seven to ten days, they can expect to be driving on their own, and within two weeks, they can go for more extended walks outside. Individuals can gradually return to more intensive physical activities as they feel comfortable, in consultation with their providers at Southern Sports Medicine Institute.
 
Most patients achieve normal knee function and range of motion within four to six weeks. This rapid recovery, combined with no restrictions on range of motion or weight-bearing, makes the “Southern Approach” an attractive option.
 
Additionally, the procedure is expected to last for 25 to 30 years without further complications, providing a long-term solution for those needing knee replacement.
 
Minimally invasive knee replacement is available at Southern Sports Medicine Institute.  For more information, please contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations in Gallatin, TN, and Nashville, TN. We serve patients from Gallatin TN, Nashville TN, Portland TN, Hendersonville TN, Lafayette TN, Castalian Springs TN, Westmoreland TN, Hartsville TN, Cottonton TN, Old Hickory TN, Goodlettsville TN, Springfield TN, Red Boiling Springs TN, White House TN, Lebanon TN, Greenbrier TN, Bowling Green KY, Bethpage TN, Lavergne TN, Franklin TN, Hermitage TN, and Mount Juliet TN!