Minimally invasive knee replacement is performed through a shorter incision—typically 4 to 6 inches versus 8 to 10 inches for traditional knee replacement. A smaller incision allows for less tissue disturbance. In addition to a shorter incision, the technique used to open the knee is less invasive.
Mako Total Knee 2.0 introduces a new intuitive design, customizable workflow and other key features, including an innovative digital tensioner that allows surgeons to assess the stability of the knee intraoperatively during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) without the need for additional instrumentation.
The metal-on-plastic combination is the most commonly used material for knee implants. A closer look reveals that cobalt-chromium is the most frequently used metal. This is because it's biocompatible and is very durable. In terms of plastics used, Polyethylene is preferred over other options.
"Smart" implants and wearable technology
In October 2021, HSS surgeons performed the first-ever knee replacement that incorporated a prosthetic implant with a smart sensor. The sensor has the ability to measure a patient's steps, walking speed, range of motion and other indicators of knee function following surgery.
Robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery is a new but rapidly-growing development in Australian orthopaedic care. Robotic assistance is associated with a lower rate of revision (corrective operations) compared to non-robotic assisted knee replacements.
Intraoperative complications, such as pin-hole fracture, iatrogenic soft tissue and bony injury, excessive blood loss, longer operative duration, aborting a robotic TKA due to different reasons and postoperative issues, such as pin-related infection, longer hospital stays and post-TKA stiffness, were noted.
A: It's an FDA-approved knee replacement device that contains a small Bluetooth-enabled sensor integrated into the joint replacement prosthesis. The sensor measures and records the range of motion, step count, walking speed, stride length, and other gait biometric details.
As knee arthritis progresses, the knee becomes much looser and more unstable. In some cases, this is mild. In other cases, it is substantial enough that cause the patient to fall. Patients who have bone-on-bone arthritis and are starting to fall because of it should strongly consider surgery.
Most patients can start walking while still in the hospital. Walking helps deliver important nutrients to your knee to help you heal and recover. You can expect to use a walker for the first couple of weeks. Most patients can walk on their own roughly four to eight weeks after knee replacement.
Recovery is slow
While it's different for everyone and depends on the type of knee surgery you've had, many people are surprised by how long it takes to recover. The time it takes to start doing simple tasks around the home, get back to work and importantly bending your new and improved knee may catch you by surprise.
You can expect some pain and swell for a few months after surgery. Improved surgical techniques and new technology, such as robotic arm-assisted technology, makes the knee replacement recovery process quicker and less painful.
Doctors do sometimes recommend that people under age 60 wait to undergo a knee replacement procedure, because these artificial joints typically last only about 15 to 20 years. If someone younger gets the procedure, it's likely that the joint will need to be replaced again down the line.
Barring any complications, most patients are able to return to most normal activities and walk without the need of assistive devices between three to six weeks after surgery. Overall, it usually takes two to three months to make a complete recovery from a minimally invasive knee replacement.
In 85% to 90% of people who have a total knee replacement, the knee implants used will last about 15 to 20 years. This means that some patients who have a knee replacement at a younger age may eventually need a second operation to clean the bone surfaces and refixate the implants.
Benefits of Cemented Implants
Cemented knee implants have been used for years, so we know that they can be effective in the long term. On average, a cemented implant will last 10 to 20 years or more before it needs to be replaced.
“Other joint replacements, which have higher complexity, may not always achieve the same level of comfort after replacement.” As devices now last longer, they are going into younger people and the average age of acquiring a device is now 66. In the past decade, joint replacement became more popular.
You shouldn't downhill ski or play contact sports such as football and soccer. In general, avoid sports that require jerking, twisting, pulling, or running. You should be able to do lower-impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.
Start with small, manageable steps over short distances and use an assistive device whenever needed. Gradually work your way up until you can walk longer distances without discomfort. Doing too much exercise can lead to pain and swelling, hindering your recovery.
TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.
It is still possible to have arthritis after knee replacement surgery. However, people who need the surgery are less likely to experience pain from arthritis after they recover from the procedure. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, particularly the knee joints.
What Does Bone-on-Bone Knee Pain Feel Like? Bone-on-bone knee pain, caused by advanced arthritis, can vary from person to person depending on its severity. Generally speaking, it will feel like a dull and achy pain. However, some people get a sharp pain that can bounce back and forth between those two qualities.
The large majority (more than 90 percent) of total knee replacement patients experience substantial or complete relief of pain once they have recovered from the procedure. The large majority walk without a limp and most don't require a cane, even if they used one before the surgery.
It's normal for people with a knee replacement to feel like their new knee is weird or unnatural, this is nothing to be concerned about. And why does your knee feel heavier after a knee replacement? It feels heavier because it is! The new knee joint is on average 0.6 lbs heavier than the natural joint.
A partial or unicondylar knee replacement, as its name suggests, replaces only the affected compartment of the knee. On the other hand, a total knee replacement involves the replacement of all three compartments of the knee.