Is It Time For A Knee Replacement?
The knee is a critical part of movement over one’s lifetime. Unfortunately, millions of Americans suffer from chronic knee pain that impacts activity. If non-surgical treatment fails, a doctor may suggest total joint replacement. Replacing a joint feels like a daunting task. Yet, there are several surgical techniques that make the process a lot easier. Some patients may be eligible for rapid recovery total joint replacement. With rapid recovery, patients can resume daily activities in just a few weeks.
Superhuman healing with rapid recovery
Rapid recovery refers to a combination of surgical and recovery procedures that speed up the healing process. As a result, patients can leave the hospital the same day and even walk short distances within a few hours. Rapid recovery also cuts the recovery time down to a few weeks instead of months. To achieve rapid recovery, surgeons will use minimally invasive surgery or MIS. Using this style allows surgeons to shorten the recovery time, reduce infections, and improve outcomes.
What is minimally invasive surgery?
The goal of minimally invasive techniques is to perform the surgery with as little damage to the body as possible. To achieve this, the surgeon will use arthroscopy, a process that involves a device called an arthroscope. An arthroscope is a narrow tool with a light and fiberoptic camera attached. The camera sends images of the joint on a monitor so the surgeon can perform the replacement. Then, using just a few small incisions, the surgeon can resurface the joint and install the prosthetic parts.
Shorter recovery with MIS
Minimally invasive surgery helps shorten the recovery time in several ways. First, the small incisions reduce the chances of infections that can happen with traditional surgery. There is also minimal blood loss, which will naturally speed up healing. If the surgeon incorporates other tools like robotic-arm assisted surgery, recovery may happen even faster. The small incisions increased safety, and accuracy which means the patient can likely leave the same day.
Completing your rapid recovery
Rapid recovery is a holistic process with minimally invasive surgery at the center. The surgical center will add other vital steps to ensure rapid recovery is a success. For instance, the team may suggest physical therapy in the weeks leading up to surgery. Physical therapy will help with blood flow, flexibility, and strength, preparing the body for the new joint. Another helpful factor is anesthesia. During surgery, the anesthesiologist will provide a special sedative that will last just a few hours. This extra step allows the patient to be lucid and ready to start recovery the same day. Finally, the patient will have a comprehensive pain management plan to speed up recovery.
It’s not for everyone
For rapid recovery to happen, there needs to be a strict list of patient requirements. Younger patients, usually between ages 45-55, with excellent physical health, are ideal candidates. There should be no pre-existing medical conditions or chronic illnesses that can derail the recovery. Rapid recovery could be intensive, so the patient must also be willing to perform physical therapy before and after surgery. Once a patient qualifies for the program, the benefits are reduced pain and a fully functioning knee in just a few weeks.
Back on your feet in no time
Hundreds of thousands of knee replacements happen every year. Over time, doctors have been able to improve both the technology and techniques to perform the surgery. For patients, this means faster recovery and better outcomes. However, rapid recovery takes things up a notch. Combining minimally invasive surgery and intense recovery techniques, patients recover faster than traditional surgery. If knee replacement is happening soon, speak to an orthopedic surgeon about the possibility of rapid recovery.
