The future of knee surgery: Minimally invasive techniques

Knee pain can significantly affect your quality of life, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or even sitting uncomfortable. For many patients, surgical intervention becomes a necessary step toward relief and improved mobility. Minimally invasive knee surgery offers a cutting-edge approach to treating knee problems with reduced recovery time, less pain, and smaller scars.

A renowned consultant orthopaedic surgeon explores how this procedure works, the conditions it treats, and the benefits it provides to patients.

What is minimally invasive knee surgery?

Minimally invasive knee surgery is a modern approach to treating various knee conditions that utilises advanced techniques to reduce the physical impact on the body. Unlike traditional open surgery, this method involves smaller incisions and often incorporates specialised tools and cameras to perform the procedure. Patients who undergo minimally invasive surgery typically experience shorter recovery times, less pain, and reduced scarring.

How is it performed?

Minimally invasive knee surgery generally involves one or more small incisions near the affected joint. Surgeons use instruments like an arthroscope—a thin, flexible tube with a camera attached—to view the inside of the knee. This provides a detailed image of the joint on a monitor, allowing precise surgical interventions.

Depending on the condition being treated, such as a torn ligament, damaged cartilage, or osteoarthritis, surgeons may use specialised tools to repair or remove damaged tissue. These instruments are carefully inserted through additional tiny incisions, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

What conditions can it treat?

Several knee conditions are well-suited for minimally invasive surgery. For example:

• Arthritis: Damage to cartilage caused by arthritis can be smoothed out or repaired to alleviate pain and improve movement. In some cases, partial knee replacement surgery may be performed with a minimally invasive approach.
• Meniscus tears: The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that cushions the joint. Tears can often be repaired using minimally invasive techniques.
• Ligament injuries: Damage to ligaments like the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be treated with this method, ensuring greater precision and faster healing.
• Loose bodies in the knee: Fragments of bone or cartilage that float within the joint can be removed without extensive surgery.

What are the advantages of minimally invasive knee surgery?

There are several key benefits of minimally invasive knee surgery compared to traditional methods. First, smaller incisions typically lead to less post-operative pain and reduced scarring. Recovery times are often quicker, enabling patients to return to their daily activities sooner. The risk of complications, such as infections and blood clots, may also be lower because less tissue is disturbed during the procedure.

In the case of knee replacements, many patients report greater stability and a more natural feel due to the preservation of muscles and ligaments around the joint. Enhanced surgical precision with the aid of advanced imaging and tools further contributes to improved outcomes.

What can patients expect during recovery?

Recovery from minimally invasive knee surgery varies depending on the specific procedure performed. Most patients experience less discomfort in the initial weeks compared to traditional methods. Physical therapy often begins shortly after surgery to restore strength and mobility in the joint. Many individuals can resume light activities within a few weeks, although full recovery for complex procedures like knee replacement may take several months.

Pain management is usually effective with a combination of prescribed medications and home remedies, such as icing and elevating the leg. Regular follow-up appointments will ensure your progress is monitored and any concerns are promptly addressed.