Arthritis in the knee can be a major hurdle for active, healthy adults who want to stay strong, mobile, and independent. If you're considering knee replacement and concerned about recovery or preserving strength, a newer technique—the Subvastus Approach—offers a muscle-sparing option designed to support faster healing and better outcomes. The Subvastus Approach is a muscle-sparing technique designed to support faster healing and a quicker return to the activities you love.
Understanding the Subvastus Approach
The Subvastus Approach is a minimally invasive surgical technique that avoids cutting through the quadriceps tendon—the powerful muscle group responsible for straightening your knee. Instead, the vastus medialis muscle is gently lifted up to access the joint beneath it. This method preserves muscle integrity, reduces trauma, and allows for a smoother recovery compared to traditional approaches.
Why It’s Ideal for Active Adults
For patients who live an active lifestyle or want to return to low-impact activities like walking, cycling, golf, or gardening, the Subvastus Approach offers several advantages:
- Less pain after surgery
- Faster return of muscle strength and control
- Smaller incision with minimal scarring
- Improved knee function and mobility early in recovery
Preserving the quadriceps not only leads to faster rehab but can also result in a more natural-feeling knee long term—an important factor for those who value movement and agility.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery timelines vary, but many patients experience improved mobility within just a few weeks. Because the muscle is not cut, physical therapy can begin sooner and progress more comfortably. This approach is especially beneficial for patients who are motivated to stay active and recover quickly.
Enhanced Precision with Mako® Robotic Technology
Combining the Subvastus technique with Mako® robotic-assisted technology allows for planning and execution of the procedure with enhanced accuracy—tailoring the placement of your knee implant to your unique anatomy for optimal results.
Staying active shouldn’t end with knee arthritis. The Subvastus Approach to knee replacement offers a muscle-sparing option that supports faster recovery, less pain, and a stronger return to the life you love.
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.