Subvastus Knee Replacement

What is the subvastus approach to knee replacement?

In a traditional knee replacement, the surgeon cuts through the quadriceps tendon to reach the joint. The quadriceps is the large muscle group on the front of the thigh that straightens your knee and powers walking and climbing stairs.

The subvastus approach goes underneath the quadriceps instead. The surgeon gently lifts the vastus medialis, the inner thigh muscle, out of the way and reaches the joint without cutting the tendon. The knee replacement itself is the same: the worn surfaces are removed and replaced with an implant.

Subvastus vs. traditional knee replacement

• Quadriceps tendon: left intact with the subvastus approach; cut and then repaired with the traditional approach.
• How the joint is reached: beneath the quadriceps muscle with subvastus; through the quadriceps tendon with the traditional approach.
• Implant: the same total knee implant either way.
• Recovery goal: subvastus is designed for less pain, earlier walking and a quicker return of thigh strength.

Benefits of the subvastus approach

Because the quadriceps tendon is not cut, the subvastus approach is designed to:

• Reduce pain in the first weeks after surgery
• Help patients stand and walk sooner
• Speed the return of quadriceps strength for stairs and getting up from a chair
• Make straight-leg raising and early physical therapy easier

Is subvastus knee replacement right for you?

Many patients with knee arthritis are candidates. Dr. Jimenez considers your knee's alignment, prior surgeries, body size and how stiff the knee is before surgery. The approach is chosen during your consultation, based on your X-rays and exam.

What life is like after subvastus knee replacement

Every recovery is different, and your surgical team will give you a plan. Most patients follow a pattern like this:

• Walking: Most patients walk with a walker the same day or the day after surgery, then move to a cane as strength returns.
• Sleeping: Sleeping on your back with the leg straight is easiest at first. A pillow under the calf, not the knee, helps keep the knee straight.
• Driving: Most patients drive again once they are off prescription pain medication and can brake quickly and safely. That timing depends on which knee was replaced, so ask your surgeon to clear you.
• Work: Desk work often resumes within a few weeks. Jobs that involve standing, lifting or climbing usually take longer.
• Physical therapy: Therapy starts right away and is the biggest factor in how well the knee bends and how strong it gets.

About your surgeon: Dr. Christopher Jimenez

Dr. Christopher Jimenez is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon at BONE DRs Orthopedic Care. He completed his fellowship in Santa Monica, California, with Dr. Joel Matta, and has performed thousands of joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Jimenez is the director of a Medicare Center of Excellence in hip and knee replacement. He sees patients in Austin, San Marcos and Bastrop, and speaks English and Spanish.

Subvastus knee replacement FAQs

What is a subvastus knee replacement?

A total knee replacement done through a muscle-sparing approach that goes beneath the quadriceps muscle instead of cutting through the quadriceps tendon.

Is subvastus the same as quad-sparing knee replacement?

Yes. Subvastus is one of the main quad-sparing approaches. Both terms describe reaching the knee without cutting the quadriceps tendon.

Does subvastus knee replacement hurt less?

It is designed to. Because the quadriceps tendon is left intact, many patients have less pain in the early weeks and get back on their feet sooner.

Is the implant different?

No. The implant is the same as in a traditional total knee replacement. Only the way the surgeon reaches the joint is different.

How soon can I walk after subvastus knee replacement?

Most patients walk with a walker the same day or the day after surgery.

Who performs subvastus knee replacement near Austin, TX?

Dr. Christopher Jimenez at BONE DRs Orthopedic Care performs subvastus knee replacement for patients in Austin, San Marcos, Bastrop and across Central Texas.

Does insurance cover subvastus knee replacement?

Knee replacement is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans when medically necessary. The subvastus approach is a surgical technique, not a separate procedure. Call 512-266-3377 and our team will verify your benefits.

Schedule a subvastus knee replacement consultation

If knee arthritis is limiting your life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Jimenez at BONE DRs Orthopedic Care in Austin, San Marcos or Bastrop. Call 512-266-3377 or book an appointment online.

Related: Total Knee Replacement · Unicondylar Knee Replacement · Bikini Incision Anterior Hip Replacement