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Knee Procedures
Quad-Sparing Knee Replacement

Definition

Thanks to Dr. Bowers I don't have knee pain, and there's nothing else I could ask for. From Kenneth in Three Lakes, who had a quad-sparing knee replacement.

The minimally invasive quadriceps-sparing knee replacement is performed by replacing lost cartilage and diseased bone without making an incision in the quadriceps muscle and tendon. It is performed with computer assistance, so that a guide rod doesn't have to be inserted into the femur bone - allowing for exact positioning of the component.

Quad-Sparing

Alternative Medical Names

  • Quadriceps-Sparing Knee Replacement
  • Minimally Invasive, Quad-Sparing Total Knee Arthroplasty
  • Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement

Who is a Candidate?

People who:

  • Have experienced failed conservative treatment.
  • Are limited from their daily activity due to knee pain and/or have pain at rest.

Benefits

  • Less trauma to muscles and tendons. The quadriceps tendon and muscle are avoided rather than cut through.
  • Smaller, less noticeable incision- 4 to 5 inches vs. 8 to 12 inches with a total knee replacement.
  • Performed without inserting a guide rod into the femur bone.
  • Less damage to tissue.
  • Shorter rehabilitation.
  • Less blood loss.
  • Shorter hospital stay.
  • Faster return of basic knee functions.
  • Good mobility within 24 hours after operation.

What is a Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement?

The quadriceps-sparing, minimally invasive knee surgery reduces post operative pain by sparing the quadriceps muscle and tendon that have been cut through during a traditional total knee replacement surgery. Surgeons make the small incision that will move the soft tissue rather than cutting through it. A computer assisted technique is used so the surgeon can perform the procedure without inserting a guide rod into the femur bone. The computer gives the surgeon immediate feedback during the procedure so that the patient has the best possible knee alignment.

To perform the surgery, the surgeon makes a 4 to 5 inch incision in the patient's knee. The damaged surfaces of the knee are removed and the ends of the bones are reshaped to allow immediate weight bearing. Once the surgeon has completed this procedure, the incision is then closed and a bandage is applied. The surgery usually takes between one and two hours.

Post-Surgical Treatment

  • Pain Management Medications
  • Physical Therapy Sessions

2/2/2009
Physicians Who Perform This Surgery at Meriter

John S. Rogerson, MD, SC
James Bowers, MD
(608) 231-3410


Prepare for Total Knee Replacement Surgery

If you will be having surgery at Meriter, we encourage you to read our comprehensive patient information on total knee replacement. (PDF File) Also, online registration for our total knee surgical preparation classes is available in the Meriter Classes & Events section.