Staying active with knee pain can be frustrating, especially when it limits the activities you enjoy most. While many people worry that surgery might take away their freedom, a newer technique is helping change that outlook. The Subvastus Approach to knee replacement offers a muscle-sparing option that supports a faster, stronger return to movement—and it's quickly becoming a preferred choice for active patients.
Key Benefits of the Subvastus Technique
The Subvastus Technique is a minimally invasive method of performing total knee replacement. What sets it apart is the preservation of the quadriceps muscle and tendon, which are typically cut in traditional approaches. By sparing this key muscle group, patients experience several important benefits:
- Minimal Muscle Damage: Since the quadriceps tendon remains intact, the knee remains more stable post-surgery, promoting better overall strength and function.
- Faster Recovery: Many patients begin physical therapy just days after surgery and report noticeable improvements in mobility within weeks—not months.
- Reduced Pain and Swelling: Less disruption to the soft tissues means patients experience less post-operative pain, bruising, and inflammation.
- Smaller Incision: A less invasive entry point leads to smaller scars and a more cosmetic result, which is a welcome bonus for many patients.
A Wise Choice for Active and Motivated Patients
Whether you’re an avid golfer, a weekend walker, or someone who simply enjoys staying independent, the Subvastus Approach is designed to support active lifestyles. By preserving the muscle structure, it enables a return to everyday activities—and even athletic pursuits—sooner and with greater confidence.
Experience Matters: Choose a Surgeon Specializing in the Subvastus Approach
Because the Subvastus Approach is technically demanding, it’s important to choose a surgeon with specific training and experience in this method. As one of the few orthopedic surgeons specializing in this approach, Dr. Claps offers patients advanced care with personalized attention to ensure optimal outcomes.
AUTHOR: Charles Claps, DO is a board-certified fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in robotic assisted joint replacement surgery at Resurgens Orthopaedics in Atlanta. Dr. Claps is an industry leader in Mako Robotic Assisted Hip and Knee replacement across Georgia, and an active member of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics