Minimally-Invasive Surgery, Pain Reduction Protocols, and Gender-Specific Implants at Lankenau Hospital

by Carl Deirmengian, MD
Lankenau Hospital

Hip or knee arthritis may have a surprisingly significant effect on your life.  As the arthritis progresses, the pain and stiffness experienced can make even the simplest tasks difficult.  It is very common for patients with hip or knee arthritis to complain of daily hardship, with steady declines in the ability to walk, climb stairs, and sleep.  Fortunately, there are a variety of operative and non-operative methods to treat hip and knee pain. 

Joint replacement surgery has been one of the greatest medical advances in the past century.  For patients who can no longer tolerate the decline in their quality of life, a hip or knee replacement can eliminate pain and allow a rapid return to a more active lifestyle. 

Recent advances in surgical technique, implant technology, and medical management have made joint replacement surgery a more pleasant experience.       

Minimally-invasive techniques have been recently developed to allow for the joint replacement to be completed with less tissue trauma.  Unique sets of instruments have been designed to make this surgery possible.  For example, a knee replacement can be completed without cutting tendons or dislocating the knee.  A hip replacement can also be performed with less tissue damage, preserving muscle and tendon.  Additionally, there is a significant cosmetic benefit resulting in incisions that are 50% smaller.

Pain reduction protocols have also been developed in an effort to limit the pain and nausea after surgery.  General anesthesia is no longer required for most patients having a joint replacement.  Furthermore, the use of rapid recovery protocols has virtually eliminated the need for intravenous pain medication after surgery.  In general, patients feel better after surgery and do not have the pain and nausea traditionally experienced after joint replacement. 

Gender-specific implants have also been developed to provide a shape that more accurately fits women.  These implants are narrower than traditional implants, matching the natural anatomy of the female knee.  Current research is aiming to show that this more accurate design results in better functional outcomes for women.  

When these advances in joint replacement surgery are used together, the overall experience of having a joint replacement is improved.  Post-operative discomfort is significantly reduced, and motivated patients can be discharged from the hospital 2 days after surgery.  Most patients are able to walk without a cane only 3-4 weeks after surgery.   

If you are having hip or knee pain, it is important to see an orthopaedic surgeon.  There are many methods of treating the pain, and all efforts will be made to use non-operative treatments.  However, if a joint replacement is the only reasonable option, it is good to know that the experience of having surgery has significantly improved.