What should you know about minimally invasive knee replacement?

Total knee replacement removes worn areas of the joint and places artificial surfaces so the bones can move against a new bearing. A minimally invasive approach aims to limit disruption to nearby soft tissues through a smaller access route. The exact incision and technique depend on your knee shape, previous operations, surgeon experience, and overall health.

Knee osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty climbing stairs; replacement is considered when these problems continue to restrict daily activities despite non-surgical care. Implants may include metal components, a plastic bearing, and sometimes bone cement. Computer navigation can help the surgical team assess alignment during the operation.

Before surgery, discuss medicines, dental concerns, skin problems, and any health condition that could affect healing. Arrange a safe walking route at home, keep frequently used items within reach, and plan help with bathing, meals, and transport. Follow the exercise and walking instructions supplied by your clinical team.

After surgery, rehabilitation usually combines gentle knee movement, walking practice, swelling management, and gradual strengthening. Do not judge progress by incision size alone: soreness, stiffness, and fatigue can still occur. Keep follow-up appointments so movement, wound healing, and implant function can be checked.

Contact your surgical team promptly if the wound becomes increasingly red, warm, swollen, or wet, or if pain suddenly worsens instead of settling. Seek urgent help for new chest pain, severe breathlessness, fainting, or a painful swollen calf. A sudden loss of movement or a fall affecting the operated knee also needs prompt assessment.

Ask which surgical approach is suitable for your knee, what implant materials are planned, how much walking is expected at each stage, and which symptoms should trigger a call. You can also ask whether computer navigation will be used and how your rehabilitation plan will be adapted if stiffness or swelling persists.