Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group
Dr. Economedes is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement, adult joint reconstruction, and arthritis care. Fellowship trained in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University Medical Center, he provides comprehensive treatment for joint pain and mobility issues. Dr. Economedes is committed to helping patients regain function and improve quality of life through personalized care and advanced surgical techniques.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
If knee arthritis is making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, exercise, or enjoy everyday activities, minimally invasive knee replacement may be an option. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist providing personalized joint replacement care in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC, North Carolina. His expertise includes minimally invasive hip and knee replacement and other joint reconstruction procedures.
Minimally invasive knee replacement uses smaller incisions and techniques designed to minimize disruption to the surrounding tissues. For appropriately selected patients, this approach may support reduced postoperative discomfort and a faster recovery compared with traditional surgical techniques. Dr. Economedes evaluates each patient's knee condition, anatomy, activity level, and treatment goals to determine whether minimally invasive knee replacement is appropriate.
What is a Minimally Invasive Knee Joint Replacement?
Total knee replacement is a very successful surgical treatment for knee arthritis. Over the years, minimally invasive knee replacement surgical techniques have been developed to lessen tissue trauma and improve patient outcomes. This minimally invasive approach involves much smaller incisions than the usual 10-12 inch incisions used in the traditional knee replacement and spares the quadriceps muscle and tendon, which control bending of the knee, from being cut to access the knee joint.
The smaller incisions with minimally invasive surgery mean fewer tissues are cut resulting in quicker healing and recovery. The potential advantages of minimally invasive joint replacement surgery are:
- Minimal surgical dissection
- Shorter recovery period
- Shorter hospital stay
- Reduced post-operative pain
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC
What is the Procedure for Minimally Invasive Knee Joint Replacement?
Minimally invasive surgery for knee replacement involves the use of smaller incisions which are only 4 to 6 inches in length as compared to the 10-12 inch long incision used in the traditional procedure.
- Surgery is performed under sterile conditions in the operating room under spinal or general anesthesia. You will be lying on your back on the operating table with a tourniquet applied to your upper thigh to reduce blood loss.
- Your surgeon will then make an incision along the affected knee to expose the knee joint. The surgeon first focuses on the femur (thighbone). The damaged portions of the femur are cut at the appropriate angles using specialized tools.
- Then the femoral component is attached to the end of the femur with or without bone cement. The next step involves removal of the damaged area of the tibia (shinbone) and the cartilage. It allows for a smooth surface to which implants can be attached.
- The tibial component is then secured to the end of the bone using bone cement or screws. Your surgeon will place a plastic piece called an articular surface between these implants to ensure a smooth gliding movement.
- This plastic insert acts in a similar way as the original articular cartilage and helps in supporting your body weight as well as allows the femur bone to move over the tibia. The femur and the tibia bone with their new components are put together to form the new knee joint.
- To ensure that the patella (knee cap) glides smoothly over the new artificial knee, its rear surface is prepared to receive a plastic component. With all its new components in place, the knee joint is examined through its range of motion.
- All excess cement will be removed and the entire joint will be irrigated or cleaned out with a sterile saline solution.
- The incision is then closed and drains are usually inserted. A surgical dressing or bandage is then placed over the incision.
As there is less tissue damage around the knee during the minimally invasive procedure surgery, you can expect a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery and also avoid an unsightly smaller surgical scar.
Why Choose Dr. Economedes for Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC?
Choosing the right orthopaedic surgeon is an important part of your joint replacement journey. Dr. Demetri M. Economedes focuses specifically on hip and knee replacement and adult joint reconstruction. He completed fellowship training in Adult Joint Reconstruction at Rush University in Chicago and is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
Patients throughout Cary, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and the surrounding Triangle communities can benefit from:
- Specialized joint replacement expertise: Dr. Economedes focuses on hip and knee replacement and reconstruction.
- Fellowship-trained care: His advanced adult joint reconstruction training provides specialized experience in complex hip and knee conditions.
- Minimally invasive techniques: When clinically appropriate, minimally invasive approaches may help limit disruption to surrounding tissues.
- Individualized treatment planning: Treatment recommendations are based on your symptoms, imaging, overall health, anatomy, and functional goals.
- Comprehensive orthopaedic care: Care can extend from the initial evaluation through surgery, rehabilitation, and follow-up.
- Convenient Triangle-area locations: Dr. Economedes sees patients in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC.
Whether you are dealing with advanced knee arthritis or have not found adequate relief with conservative treatment, a consultation can help determine whether minimally invasive knee replacement is right for you.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement FAQs
Minimally invasive knee replacement is a surgical approach that uses smaller incisions and techniques intended to reduce disruption to the tissues surrounding the knee. The damaged portions of the knee are still replaced with artificial components, similar to traditional total knee replacement.
Not everyone is a candidate. Your surgeon will evaluate the severity of your arthritis, knee alignment, anatomy, overall health, activity level, and other factors before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach.
Minimally invasive surgery may offer benefits such as smaller incisions and potentially less soft-tissue disruption. However, the best approach depends on the individual patient. Your surgeon can explain the potential benefits and limitations of each option during your consultation.
The incision is generally smaller than the traditional knee replacement incision. The exact length depends on your anatomy, surgical technique, and the complexity of the procedure.
Recovery varies from patient to patient. Physical therapy and a structured rehabilitation program are important for restoring strength, flexibility, and knee motion. Your surgeon will provide individualized guidance on returning to walking, work, exercise, and other activities.
Yes. Minimally invasive surgery does not eliminate the need for rehabilitation. Physical therapy helps restore knee motion, improve strength, and support your return to normal activities.
Dr. Economedes provides orthopaedic care in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC, making specialized hip and knee replacement care accessible to patients throughout the Triangle region.
Take the Next Step Toward Better Knee Function
If knee arthritis is limiting your mobility or keeping you from the activities you enjoy, Dr. Demetri M. Economedes can evaluate your condition and discuss your treatment options. Minimally invasive knee replacement may be appropriate for selected patients who need joint replacement after nonsurgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Demetri M. Economedes for minimally invasive knee replacement in Cary, Holly Springs & Morrisville, NC, and learn which treatment approach best fits your needs.