Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery Performed in Louisville, KY

In some cases, a minimally invasive knee replacement is an effective alternative to a traditional open knee replacement for relieving pain and restoring mobility lost due to joint damage. In a healthy knee, protective cartilage allows the bones to glide freely against each other during movement, and the bones are connected and stabilized by strong muscles and tendons. A knee replacement may be considered to address damage to any of these joint components, which normally work seamlessly together. Joint damage can result from a traumatic injury, repetitive wear and tear, a degenerative condition such as osteoarthritis, or an inflammatory condition such as rheumatoid arthritis.

When Is a Knee Replacement the Right Choice?

The board-certified orthopedic knee surgeons at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic in Louisville, Kentucky, work closely with each patient to determine the most appropriate course of treatment after taking into account many individual factors. Before considering a knee replacement—which we generally view as a last resort—we usually suggest conservative treatments such as physical therapy, knee bracing, weight loss, and medication. While this approach can provide effective symptom relief, it’s important to understand that nothing short of surgery can directly address the underlying issue. Therefore, if the symptoms persist or worsen, we may suggest a knee replacement.

To determine whether a patient is a candidate for a knee replacement generally, and a minimally invasive knee replacement specifically, we will take a complete medical history, perform a thorough physical examination, order imaging studies and range-of-motion testing, and consider the patient’s lifestyle and preferences.

Benefits of Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Surgery

As compared to a traditional open knee replacement, a minimally invasive knee replacement offers several benefits, including:

• Smaller incisions
• Less trauma to the surrounding muscles and tendons (muscle-sparing techniques are used to spread these tissues and access the knee joint without cutting)
• Less post-operative pain
• Faster recovery and rehabilitation

If you would like to find out if you are a candidate for a minimally invasive knee replacement, contact Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic to schedule a personal consultation with a knee specialist at our location in Louisville, KY.