Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement

Minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement is a new surgical technique that allows surgeons to insert the same time-tested, reliable knee replacement implants through a shorter incision using surgical approach that avoids trauma to the quadriceps muscle, which is the most important muscle group around the knee. This new technique, which is sometimes called quadriceps-sparing knee replacement, uses an incision that is typically only 3-4” in length, and the recovery time is much quicker – often permitting patients to walk with a cane within a couple of weeks of surgery or even earlier. The less-traumatic nature of the surgical approach also may decrease post-operative pain and diminish the need for rehab and therapy compared to more traditional approaches.

Benefits of Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement

The main potential benefits of this new technique include:

More rapid return of knee function. Patients who undergo this procedure seem to get muscle strength and control back more quickly than patients who have had traditional total knee replacement. This is because the quadriceps muscle and tendon are not divided in the course of the surgical exposure like in traditional knee replacement, and the kneecap is not everted (flipped out of the way) as it is in traditional total knee replacement.

Smaller incision. While this procedure would not be worth performing for cosmetic benefits, many patients do prefer the shorter incision. Traditional knee replacement incisions often measure 8” or longer; minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing knee replacement incisions are about 4” in length for most patients.

Decreased post-operative pain. This may be a function of the smaller incision and the fact that the incision stays out of the important quadriceps muscle/tendon group.

Same reliable surgical implants as Traditional Knee Replacement. Much has been learned about implant design in the nearly 40-year history of contemporary knee replacement. Minimally-invasive quadriceps-sparing total knee replacement is an evolution of surgical technique, which permits the use of time-tested implant designs. This gives some reassurance that while the surgical approach is new, the implants themselves have a good proven track record.