Knee pain can be caused by injuries, cartilage damage, wear and tear, and degenerative joint disease. While certain interventions such as taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and exercise can help relieve pain, they may not be suitable long-term treatment options. If you have severe rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis or if your cartilage is severely damaged, your orthopedist may recommend knee replacement surgery. Here are some things you should know about if your orthopedist recommends minimally invasive knee replacement surgery instead of traditional "open" surgery.

Smaller Incisions And Less Tissue Manipulation

While the minimally invasive and traditional knee replacement procedures are very similar, minimally invasive requires smaller incisions than traditional knee replacement surgery. When you have a smaller incision, the other soft tissues and structures of your knee are less likely to be manipulated, and because of this, you may notice less postoperative discomfort.

You may also enjoy a faster recovery after minimally invasive knee replacement surgery. It is important to note that while minimally invasive surgery may prevent the need for large incisions, traditional knee replacement surgery may be required in certain cases. Candidates for minimally invasive knee surgery are typically younger, have not had multiple knee surgeries, and are not considered obese.

Similarities Between Procedures

Whether you undergo minimally invasive knee surgery or traditional knee surgery to replace your knee joint, your hospital stay will be similar. Either procedure can be performed in an outpatient setting, however, if warranted, your orthopedist may recommend a hospital stay depending on your individual situation and general state of health. It is also important to note that the long-term benefits of minimally invasive surgery and traditional knee surgery are very similar.

While complications for both of these orthopedic procedures are typically low, they can still lead to certain adverse reactions because they are surgical procedures. Both procedures also require anesthesia, and while traditional open knee surgery requires general anesthesia, minimally invasive knee surgery can be performed with a local anesthetic or spinal anesthesia. However, in some cases, your doctor may recommend general anesthesia for your minimally invasive procedure.

If you are facing knee surgery, talk to your orthopedist about both minimally invasive and open knee replacement surgery. Both procedures are considered very safe and effective, and after you recover, you will be virtually pain-free so that you can get back to your normal active routine with more energy, flexibility, and strength.

For more information on knee replacement surgery, contact a professional near you.