Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement
Advanced Knee Resurfacing Solution
What is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?
Minimally invasive knee replacement, also known as knee resurfacing, focuses on replacing only the worn knee joint surfaces. Unlike traditional approaches, the surgeon performs this procedure through a small incision of approximately 10 cm (4–6 inches). As a result, tissue disruption is minimized and recovery becomes faster. Dr. Samih Tarabichi developed and refined this technique over more than two decades. Importantly, it avoids exposing muscles and ligaments, which helps preserve the knee’s natural anatomy. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully removes damaged surfaces with minimal thickness. Then, advanced titanium components and an artificial cartilage layer are placed to restore smooth movement and eliminate pain. Finally, the incision is closed using specialized techniques. Therefore, healing accelerates and early mobility becomes possible. Overall, this approach delivers precision, durability, and faster recovery. It also sets a new benchmark in modern knee arthroplasty.
When is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Recommended?
In most cases, Dr. Tarabichi recommends minimally invasive knee replacement when symptoms significantly affect daily life.
For example, suitable candidates may experience:
- Severe knee pain or stiffness that limits walking or climbing stairs.
- Difficulty walking even short distances without pain.
- Dependence on a cane or walker.
- Persistent pain during rest, day or night.
- Chronic swelling that does not improve with medication.
- Knee deformity, such as bowing inward or outward.
- Limited improvement after physiotherapy, injections, or medications.
Therefore, early evaluation plays a key role in determining suitability.
Is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Suitable for Specific Age?
There are no strict age or weight restrictions for minimally invasive knee replacement. Instead, surgeons base decisions on pain level and functional limitation.
Typically, most patients fall between 50 and 80 years old. However, surgeons assess each case individually. As a result, successful procedures have been performed on both younger and older patients.
What Are the Preparation Steps?
Before surgery, the patient undergoes a comprehensive medical assessment.
First, an internal medicine specialist evaluates overall health. Then, an anesthesiologist assesses surgical readiness. In addition, laboratory tests are conducted to examine vital body functions.
Consequently, the team ensures that the procedure can be performed safely.
How is Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Performed?
The procedure follows three structured steps:
- Prepare the bone: The surgeon removes damaged cartilage and a small amount of bone
- Position the implants: Metal components replace the removed surfaces to recreate the joint
- Insert a spacer: A medical-grade spacer ensures smooth and natural joint movement
As a result, the knee regains function with minimal structural disruption.
Which Knee Implant Systems Are Used?
Dr. Samih Tarabichi uses the latest knee implant systems available globally. These implants are made from biocompatible materials and show no reported rejection.
Moreover, each patient receives a customized solution based on their condition.
At Dr. Tarabichi’s Center for Joint Care, all treatment options are available to ensure optimal outcomes.
Available implant systems include:
- Partial Knee Replacement: Targets localized damage and preserves healthy bone
- Cementless System: Ideal for younger patients; supports natural bone integration
- Cemented System: Suitable for patients with weaker bone; ensures stability
- Custom 3D System: Uses precise imaging to create a patient-specific implant in Switzerland
Therefore, treatment becomes highly personalized and outcome-driven.
All artificial knee implants available at our center are designed and manufactured to allow full flexion, similar to human joint.
What about the Surgical Procedure and Recovery Timeline?
Typically, the surgery takes about one hour. In addition, preparation time in the operating room lasts another hour.
After surgery, the patient moves to recovery for close monitoring. Subsequently, they are transferred to a hospital room or ICU if required.
Most patients begin walking the next day with assistance. In some cases, patients walk within hours after surgery.
The hospital stay usually ranges from four to seven days. During this period, the medical team closely monitors recovery and adjusts medications.
After discharge, patients receive detailed instructions for wound care and physiotherapy. Therefore, recovery continues smoothly at home.
Robotic and AI-assisted systems are also available. When necessary, Dr. Tarabichi integrates these technologies to enhance precision.
Robotic and Artificial Intelligence Systems: Available in the operating rooms, Dr. Tarabichi uses robotic and AI technology when needed or requested by the patient.
What About the Pain Management?
Pain management is a critical component of minimally invasive knee replacement. However, the team ensures safe and effective control without dependency risks.
Before surgery:
Medications are prescribed based on medical history. Additionally, cryotherapy targets pain-related nerves to reduce discomfort.
During surgery:
Spinal anesthesia is used along with sedation. As a result, the patient remains comfortable with minimal systemic impact.
After surgery:
A PCA pump allows the patient to control pain medication. Meanwhile, the medical team monitors progress and adjusts treatment accordingly.
What About the Follow Up Visits?
Follow-up care ensures long-term success. Therefore, the center provides a structured schedule:
- One week after discharge
- Monthly visits for three months
- Annual evaluations
During these visits, the team conducts clinical assessments and imaging tests. In addition, they evaluate daily activity performance.
What About Rehabilitation After the Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement?
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in achieving full recovery, therefore we established a comprehensive rehabilitation center for you
Specialized therapists guide patients through customized programs. These programs focus on restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility.
Furthermore, advanced rehabilitation equipment supports faster progress. As a result, patients regain pain-free movement efficiently.
What to Expect after the minimally invasive knee replacement?
"Realistic activities following minimally invasive knee replacement include unlimited walking, swimming, golf, driving, light hiking, biking, ballroom dancing, and other low-impact sports"
The Video from the AAOS youtube channel
Frequently Asked Questions about Minimally Invasive Knee replacement Surgery
A. More than 70 % of the patients have injuries in the two knees. As the problem will not
be solved by replacing one joint, we make sure to perform the surgery for the two knees
at the same time. The dual surgery results are excellent and save money, time and
exposure to two surgeries. The only thing is that the patient stays in the operations
room for another hour, and stays in the hospital for 7 days.
A. The patient has to pay attention to infections in the first year following the surgery.
Any surgeries performed shall be accompanied with wide-range antibiotics before and
after the surgery, even when it comes to dentistry. Also, the patient has to treat any
infections in the first year with wide-range antibiotics, to avoid any infection that will
spread to the joints.
A. Most patients are elderly, and many operations were performed for patients above 80
and 90 years successfully, while assuring their readiness to surgery before
performance.
A. Most patients who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes & heart diseases have had surgeries performed successfully after referring them to the specialized physician for screening to obtain his approval for the surgery
A. Obesity complicates surgery, yet surgeries were successfully performed for patients
who are above 100-140kg. It is rather challenging to ask the patient to lose weight, as
his/her weight may increase difficulties in movement and cause decreased activity
after surgery.have had surgeries performed successfully after referring them to the specialized
physician for screening to obtain his approval for the surgery.and 90 years successfully, while assuring their readiness to surgery before
performance.