Muscle-sparing knee replacement, also known as quad-sparing knee replacement, is a surgical approach that preserves the quadriceps muscle and tendon during total knee replacement surgery. Traditional knee replacement requires cutting through the quadriceps tendon to access the knee joint, which is the primary source of postoperative pain and the main reason recovery takes months. In muscle-sparing approaches like the Jiffy Knee, specialized instruments allow the surgeon to access the joint by lifting and sliding the muscles aside rather than cutting them.
The result is a total knee replacement with the same high-quality implants and outcomes as the traditional approach, but with dramatically less pain, faster rehabilitation, and earlier return to normal activities. This approach is particularly appealing for active Alaskans who want to minimize downtime and get back to outdoor activities quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles are spared in muscle-sparing knee replacement?
The quadriceps muscle and the quadriceps tendon are preserved. In traditional knee replacement, the quadriceps tendon is cut and then stitched back together, which is the main cause of postoperative pain and prolonged recovery.
Is muscle-sparing knee replacement safe?
Yes. The risks of muscle-sparing knee replacement are the same as traditional knee replacement. The difference is in the surgical approach to accessing the joint, not in the implants or the replacement itself.