Knee replacements are needed when the cartilage in the joints wears out. Bad knees can be very painful and swollen and can interfere with daily living. Same-day knee replacement surgery enables patients to go home the same evening following their surgery. Rehab starts before leaving the hospital, and therapists have them on their feet within hours after the procedure.
Same-day knee replacement surgery differs from conventional knee replacement surgery because the minimally invasive procedure does not involve cutting the quadriceps tendon. This allows for faster recovery, less pain medication and less time in physical therapy. The minimally invasive technique requires only a 3- to 4-inch incision. The same artificial joint used in conventional knee replacements is fit into place.
Virtua is a leader in minimally-invasive same-day total knee replacements and is one of a few hospitals in the country to offer this procedure. Virtua's fellowship-trained reconstructive orthopedic surgeons form a special relationship with their patients. They diagnose the patient pre-operatively, perform the surgery, and are responsible for all post-operative care, providing a continuum of care that patients don’t often experience with their surgeons.
Candidates for same-day knee replacement surgery are usually between 55 and 65 years old. They must be healthy with no heart disease or diabetes.
For more information, call 1-888-VIRTUA-3 (1-888-847-8823).
Same-day total knee replacement reunion
Same-day total knee surgery patients and their families gather for a reunion with Drs. Scott Schoifet and Rajesh Jain (sitting, left to right).
