The newest knee replacement procedure is called Jiffy Knee Replacement.
Jiffy Knee Replacement is a muscle sparing, minimally traumatic technique, in which the surgeon makes a side incision and works under your vastus muscle instead of cutting the quadriceps tendon.
Jiffy Knee Replacement differs from traditional knee replacement surgery in that soft tissue is preserved, it's minimally traumatic and uses standard implants.
Traditional knee replacement cuts through your quadriceps, tendons and muscles to access the joint.
But the Jiffy knee replacement procedure approach gently lifts and slides the muscles aside without cutting them.
Practitioners also classify the Jiffy knee replacement procedure as MTS or Minimally Traumatic Surgery, instead of just minimally invasive surgery, because knee replacement is still a major operation.
The Jiffy knee replacement uses standard or custom knee implants, just like a conventional total knee replacement.
Many people who have had a Jiffy knee replacement can stand and walk within hours of the procedure.
There's also less pain and swelling with a Jiffy knee replacement than with standard knee replacements.
Avoiding muscle and tendon incisions, often leads to less post operative discomfort, reduced use of narcotics, and quicker return of range of motion.
People also often stop using canes or walkers within 1 to 3 weeks and may return to driving in around 2 weeks after the Jiffy knee replacement.
Jiffy knee replacement is also billed as a standard total knee replacement, so it's often covered by major insurance plans and Medicare without extra upcharges.