Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Offered at Western Baptist

Printer Friendly Send this page to a friend via e-mail

knee Eddyville, Kentucky, senior Wilma Giles isn’t one to watch life on the sidelines. An avid pool player and dancer, Giles was on her feet a lot. That’s why when her knee began giving her trouble, Giles decided to have surgery at Western Baptist Hospital to correct the problem.

After having minimally invasive knee replacement surgery at Western Baptist Hospital, Wilma Giles is happily resuming her active lifestyle.

After only eight weeks, Giles says she sees a significant improvement. “I’m walking without a limp and not using a cane,” says Giles. “I was very pleased with the surgery.”

As a result of arthritis, injury or simple wear and tear, severe knee pain sidelines thousands of Americans like Giles each year. For those whose condition has resulted in severe degeneration of the knee joint, a total knee replacement operation is often necessary. Traditionally, this operation meant a significant incision and longer recovery times. A new minimally invasive procedure offered at Western Baptist Hospital, however, is giving total knee replacement candidates something to stand up and cheer about.

Less Pain, Faster Recovery
According to Dr. Frank Kolb with Purchase Orthopaedic Associates, PSC, traditional knee replacement surgery typically meant an 8- to 10-inch incision down the center of the knee.

“Minimally invasive total knee replacement involves a much smaller incision,” says Dr. Kolb. “This means that potentially there will be less damage to the tissue around the knee, possibly resulting in less pain and quicker recovery times.”

Dr. Kolb says that knee replacement surgery is generally recommended for patients with severe knee pain and disability caused by damage to cartilage from rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or trauma. Symptoms of these and related conditions include pain that may occur as a result of activity or simply by being at rest. “Patients also find it difficult to go up or down stairs, walk distances, or get up from low seats. There may also be swelling, stiffness, or a feeling of looseness in the knee,” adds Dr. Kolb.

As for Giles, she’s thrilled to be back on her feet and is already looking forward to the next steps—dance steps, that is! “I love dancing and look forward to trying it out again soon,” she says.

For more information about minimally invasive total knee replacement at Western Baptist Hospital, call Baptist Health Line at 270-575-2918.