Minimally Invasive Total Knee Replacement in Pearland & Houston

Is knee replacement right for you?

Knee replacement may be worth considering if:

Knee pain makes it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or rise from a chair.
Pain or stiffness regularly interrupts your sleep.
Your knee swells frequently or remains stiff despite treatment.
Your leg has begun to bow inward or outward.
Exercise, medication, injections, or bracing no longer provide enough relief.
X-rays show that the cartilage in your knee has worn away.

The decision is one we make together, based on how much your knee limits your daily life and what you want to get back to doing.

Minimally invasive

What “minimally invasive” means for your knee

To replace a knee, the surgeon reaches the joint through the front of the knee, just below the quadriceps, the large muscle group on the front of the thigh. The quadriceps straightens the leg and powers everyday movements such as standing up and climbing stairs.

We use a muscle-sparing technique that limits the incision into the quadriceps. Protecting this muscle can mean less pain and a faster return of strength during the first weeks after surgery.

Partial knee

Partial knee replacement

In some patients, arthritis affects only one compartment of the knee, most often the inner side. A partial knee replacement, also called a unicondylar or unicompartmental knee replacement, resurfaces only the damaged compartment while preserving the healthy bone, cartilage, and ligaments.

Because less of the knee is altered, many patients report that the knee feels more natural and that recovery is quicker than after a total knee replacement.

How it works

How the procedure works

Mapping your knee. Navigation and robotic tools record the shape of your bones and how your knee moves. Depending on the system used, you may have a CT scan before surgery to create a three-dimensional plan.
Building your plan. We select the size, position, and alignment of each implant so that the new knee lines up with the rest of your leg.
Removing damaged surfaces. We remove a thin layer of worn bone and cartilage from the ends of the thigh bone and shin bone, with the technology helping us stay within the plan.
Balancing the knee. We confirm that the knee bends, straightens, and feels stable, and we adjust the surrounding soft tissues so the new joint is properly balanced.
Placing the implants. Metal components cap the ends of the bones, with a smooth plastic spacer between them. The underside of the kneecap may also be resurfaced.

Surgery day

What to expect on the day of surgery

You will receive a spinal block, which numbs your body from the waist down, along with light general anesthesia so that you sleep comfortably during the procedure. The surgery itself typically takes about one to two hours.

Physical therapy begins right away. Most patients stand and walk with assistance shortly after surgery, and your team will help you prepare to go home.

Recovery

Recovering from knee replacement

Bending and straightening exercises begin immediately, and doing them consistently every day is the single most important factor in a good result.
Swelling and stiffness are normal and may last several months; ice and elevation help.
Most patients use a walker or cane for the first few weeks.
Many patients feel substantially better by about three months, and the knee often continues to improve for up to a year.
You may drive once you are off opioid pain medication and can brake quickly and safely. Ask your surgeon when it is appropriate for you.
For the first year after surgery, take an antibiotic before any dental procedure.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How long does a knee replacement last?

Many knee replacements last 20 years or longer. Longevity depends on factors such as your age, weight, bone quality, and activity level.

Will I need physical therapy?

Yes. Therapy sessions, combined with daily exercises at home, are essential for regaining full bending and straightening of the knee.

Will I be able to kneel?

Many people can kneel after knee replacement, although it may feel unusual or uncomfortable at first. For most patients, kneeling does not damage the new knee.

Will I need a CT scan?

That depends on the technology used for your surgery. If a scan is needed, it is quick and painless, and it is used to plan your procedure.

Will my new knee set off metal detectors?

It may. Let the security officer know that you have a joint replacement.

Minimally invasive total knee replacement