Dr. Joseph Maratt, Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics hip and knee replacement surgeon, has advanced training in hip replacement, knee replacement and robotics in joint replacement. An early adopter of robotic surgery over a decade ago, he has been involved in the development of robotic and navigation systems to improve patient care. He is a pioneer in the use of muscle-sparing approaches with robotic knee replacement and has taught surgeons across the country in the use of these techniques.
The Subvastus Approach: A Smarter Approach to Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) If you’re considering knee replacement, you’re likely focused on one thing: getting back to your life with as little pain and recovery time as possible. At Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics, Dr. Joseph Maratt offers muscle–sparing surgical technique – the subvastus approach. When paired with advanced tools like robotic assistance and kinematic alignment, it represents the next generation of personalized knee replacement care.
An Overview of the Subvastus Approach
Knee replacement is typically done through a medial parapatellar approach or a midvastus approach. These approaches cut either the quad tendon or the vastus medialis muscle, respectively. The subvastus approach, however, avoids cutting either of these by entering the joint medially and under the entire quad muscle. This muscle-sparing approach causes less trauma and pain in the early period following surgery. The early period, as it turns out, is not just a matter of a couple of weeks of benefits. The early period being better sets the stage for the months of recovery that follow.
How Does the Subvastus Approach Differ from Traditional Knee Replacement Techniques?
The primary difference of the subvastus approach to a knee replacement is that it is muscle sparing. When combined with a torniquet-free, robotic, kinematic approach for total knee replacement, this technique provides patients with the least amount of tissue (less ischemia from tourniquet, less releases of tissue to balance knee) and muscle damage possible during a total knee arthroplasty. All these choices together, along with our prep and recovery pathway, make this knee replacement approach better than previous options.
Am I a Good Candidate for the Subvastus Approach?
While 99% of patients can have a total knee arthroplasty with the subvastus approach, it is best to decide together with a physician on the approach that is best for you.
What is the Recovery Time for the Subvastus Approach?
Patients typically stand and walk on the day of surgery, and off assistive devices within a few days. Patients will see marked improvements within a few weeks and be back to almost all activities by three months postoperatively. Patients will feel better as recovery progresses, but we advise not to overdo it.
What Are the Risks of the Subvastus Approach?
This surgery is done through a smaller, less invasive approach, compared to other approaches to knee replacement. It requires more skill and specialized tools to minimize the risk.
Is Recovery Less Painful with the Subvastus Approach?
Yes, studies have shown patients who have total knee arthroplasty with the subvastus approach have a less painful recovery. Our patients also take significantly fewer opioid pills after the subvastus approach than with the medial parapatellar approach to total knee arthroplasty.
Contact Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics
Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics provides exceptional care tailored to our patients’ needs. With over 40 years of experience, our team of providers and clinicians know the importance of putting patients first. When you meet with Dr. Joseph Maratt to discuss your knee pain concerns, expect to leave with a detailed action plan in hand. Our flexibility and comprehensive services mean you can see a physician, get diagnostic imaging, and start treatment all in one convenient location. If you’re considering knee replacement, contact us to request and appointment. We’ll help you take the next step toward a pain-free life.
Our Noblesville Forté Fast clinic will close at 11:30 am on Friday, September 5th.