Reduced Incision Approach

More than 500,000 people undergo total joint replacement surgery each year. Each of these patients has a unique set of factors–age, weight, height, anatomy or bone structure and activity level–that play an important part in determining the exact type of implant and surgical procedure that will provide the best possible outcome.

Traditionally, knee replacement surgery has been performed through an 8-inch to 10-inch incision. New surgical instrumentation is now available that provides options for reduced incision sizes, sometimes as small as 4 to 6 inches. New soft tissue management techniques may also reduce the impact of surgery on muscles and ligaments.

Smaller incisions and less soft tissue disruption have potential benefits such as:

• Less post-operative pain
• Shorter hospital stay
• Faster recovery time
• Reduced scar tissue

The Right Choice for You
While it’s valuable to have options available regarding incision size and other details of the surgical procedure, the most important decisions about your surgery (the type of implant, surgical approach and rehabilitation plan) will be determined by your physician with one goal in mind: providing you the best possible long-term results so you can return to the activities you enjoy.