The Jiffy Knee is a specialized, muscle-sparing approach to total knee replacement that is fundamentally different from traditional techniques. In a conventional knee replacement, surgeons must cut through the quadriceps tendon -- the primary muscle responsible for walking and climbing stairs -- and then stitch it back together after surgery. When patients begin rehabilitation, they are essentially trying to walk on a freshly repaired muscle, which causes significant pain and a prolonged recovery.
With the Jiffy Knee, the surgeon accesses the knee joint from the side rather than the front. Using specialized instruments developed by Dr. Manish Patel, the muscles and tendons are gently lifted and slid aside rather than cut. Only the skin and joint capsule are incised. This preservation of the quadriceps muscle and tendon is the key difference that makes recovery dramatically faster and less painful.
Dr. Brad Sparks at Alaska Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic (AFOC) is Alaska's only certified Jiffy Knee surgeon. He trained directly with Dr. Patel and sees patients at AFOC locations in Anchorage, Eagle River, and Wasilla. With a 4.9 out of 5 star rating across 124 patient reviews, his results speak for themselves -- patients consistently report being back to activities within weeks rather than months.
Benefits of the Jiffy Knee include: significantly less postoperative pain, dramatically reduced swelling and stiffness, less need for narcotic pain medication (most patients need only a single prescription), far less downtime, faster rehabilitation, decreased risk of blood clots, no post-surgical muscle atrophy, no staples or external sutures to remove, and no additional cost compared to traditional knee replacement.
If you are a candidate for a total knee replacement, you are a candidate for the Jiffy Knee. The procedure uses the same implants as a traditional total knee replacement and is billed to insurance the same way -- there is no additional cost or upcharge for this approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Jiffy Knee?
The Jiffy Knee is a muscle-sparing approach to total knee replacement surgery. Unlike traditional methods that cut through the quadriceps tendon and muscle, the Jiffy Knee technique uses specialized instruments to gently slide the muscles aside without cutting them. This results in significantly less pain, faster recovery, and reduced need for narcotic pain medication.
Who performs the Jiffy Knee in Alaska?
Dr. Brad Sparks at Alaska Fracture & Orthopedic Clinic (AFOC) is Alaska's only certified Jiffy Knee surgeon. He trained directly with Dr. Manish Patel, the creator of the Jiffy Knee procedure. He sees patients in Anchorage, Eagle River, and Wasilla.
Is the Jiffy Knee the same as minimally invasive knee replacement?
No. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) can be a misnomer -- there is nothing minimally invasive about a knee replacement. The Jiffy Knee is more accurately classified as minimally traumatic surgery (MTS) because it minimizes trauma to the muscles and tendons, even though the incision and implant are similar in size to a standard total knee replacement.
Does the Jiffy Knee cost more than a traditional knee replacement?
No. The Jiffy Knee uses standard total knee replacement implants and is billed to insurance the same way. There is no additional cost or upcharge for this approach.
Can the Jiffy Knee be done with robotic surgery?
Yes, the Jiffy Knee can be combined with robotic-assisted surgery, though not all Jiffy Knee surgeons use a robot. Dr. Sparks can discuss whether robotic assistance would benefit your individual case.
How fast is recovery from the Jiffy Knee?
Recovery is significantly faster than traditional knee replacement because the quadriceps muscle and tendon are preserved. Many patients walk the same day, start physical therapy within 48 hours, and return to normal activities in weeks rather than months. Most patients need only a single prescription for pain medication.
Am I a candidate for the Jiffy Knee?
If you are a candidate for a total knee replacement, you are a candidate for the Jiffy Knee. The approach works for the same range of patients as traditional knee replacement. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sparks at AFOC to discuss your specific situation.
How many Jiffy Knee surgeons are there?
The Jiffy Knee is performed by a select group of surgeons across the United States who have been directly trained by Dr. Manish Patel. Dr. Brad Sparks is the only certified Jiffy Knee surgeon in Alaska.