
For decades, knee replacement surgery has been a successful procedure for relieving pain and restoring activity in patients. However, the recovery can be long and patients sometimes note that the knee feels unnatural. Dr. Tucker’s minimally invasive, quadriceps sparing approach (modified mid-vastus approach) minimizes these issues.
Dr. Tucker has performed his quadriceps sparing knee replacement for over 20 years. He completed his fellowship in hip and knee replacement at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s in Chicago, a world-renowned center for joint replacement. He was one of the first surgeons in Dallas to perform quadriceps sparing knee replacement and he trains other surgeons on this approach, which speeds recovery following knee replacement.
Who is a candidate for minimally invasive knee replacement?
The vast majority of patients are candidates for minimally invasive, quadriceps sparing knee replacement. Dr. Tucker uses this approach for all his primary knee replacement patients unless previous surgeries or hardware in the knee require a different surgical approach.
What are the benefits of minimally invasive knee replacement?
Dr. Tucker’s goal with knee replacement surgery is to reproduce the patient’s natural anatomy with less surgical dissection of the ligaments that surround the knee. This allows a faster recovery and a more natural-feeling knee.
The less invasive, quadriceps sparing approach decreases pain and the need for narcotic pain medications after surgery.
What happens during a minimally invasive knee replacement?
During a knee replacement procedure, the damaged portions of the knee joint are removed and replaced with implants designed to mimic the natural function of the knee. With a traditional approach, this involves cutting into the quadriceps tendon.
With Dr. Tucker’s minimally invasive approach, the quadriceps tendon is not cut. This decreases pain and improves muscle function after surgery. The surgical procedure usually takes about one hour to perform.
How can patients prepare ahead of minimally invasive knee replacement?
Dr. Tucker recommends that patients begin physical therapy before surgery. This helps speed recovery after the procedure is performed.
Patients need to see their primary care doctor for lab work and a physical exam to make sure they are safe to proceed with surgery. Dr. Tucker’s office can also have you see one of our medical doctors for these tests and exam. Patients are also advised to see their dentist before surgery if they have not done so within the last 6 months.
What can patients expect after minimally invasive knee replacement?
Dr. Tucker and his team recommend a spinal anesthetic for knee replacement surgery. Local anesthetics are also injected into the knee. This anesthetic approach, combined with Dr. Tucker’s less invasive surgical approach, helps minimize pain and the need for pain medication after surgery.
Most patients go home within 23 hours of surgery.
Physical Therapy & Mobility
Patients begin walking on the day of surgery and typically use a walker for approximately 7-10 days after surgery. Patients may stop using the walker when they are comfortable and safe to do so.
Dr. Tucker recommends physical therapy before and after surgery. Most patients continue physical therapy for about 6 weeks after surgery. Dr. Tucker’s team will direct you to a physical therapist who is close to your home.
Full Recovery & Long-Term
Patients may resume driving when they can walk safely without a walker and safe to drive. This is usually about 3 weeks after surgery. The majority of patients resume all normal activities within 3 months after surgery.
Dr. Tucker recommends avoiding high impact activities after surgery to prolong the life of your knee replacement.
Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement in Dallas, TX
William F. Tucker, Jr., MD, is board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and has over 25 years of experience. He is fellowship trained and specializes in joint replacement surgery. Dr. Tucker is certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery, is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and a Fellow of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons.
The minimally invasive, quadriceps sparing approach for knee replacement is one of the options Dr. Tucker offers to patients to improve upon the results of more traditional joint replacement methods. His and his team’s goal is to provide personalized care to every patient.
If you have any questions about minimally invasive knee replacement or would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Tucker, please call our office at (469) 291-1511.