When it comes to hip and knee replacements, recovery is one of the biggest concerns for patients. How much pain will I have? How long will I be in the hospital? When can I get back to walking, driving, or enjoying my favorite activities? One of the most exciting innovations in orthopedic surgery is the integration of muscle sparing, which we pioneered in 2012. The good news is that surgical techniques have advanced dramatically, and one of the biggest breakthroughs is muscle-sparing joint replacement surgery.
What Does “Muscle-Sparing” or “Quad Sparing” Mean?
In traditional joint replacement surgery, surgeons sometimes need to cut through or detach muscles and tendons to access the joint. While effective, this can mean longer healing times, more pain, and slower rehabilitation.
Muscle-sparing also known as quad-sparing surgery, on the other hand, takes a different approach. Using specialized techniques and minimally invasive methods, the surgeon carefully works around the muscles instead of cutting through them. This preserves the natural strength and stability of the joint while still allowing for precise placement of the new implant.
Benefits of Muscle-Sparing Surgery
Because muscles remain intact, patients often experience:
* Less postoperative pain, often eliminating the need for narcotics after
* Smaller incisions and reduced scarring
* Lower risk of complications
* Shorter hospital stays (sometimes going home the same day)
* Faster return to walking, driving, and normal daily activities
* More natural joint movement
* Faster recovery
* Reduced risk of dislocation or loosening
* Better balance and stability
* Longer-lasting implants
How Technology Enhances Recovery
When combined with robotic-assisted technology, muscle-sparing techniques become even more powerful. Robotic systems allow for sub-millimeter precision, ensuring that implants are placed in perfect alignment while minimizing tissue disruption. This combination gives patients the best of both worlds: advanced accuracy and a smoother recovery.
Prior to surgery, detailed imaging—such as CT scans or digital mapping—creates a 3D model of the exact patient’s joint. This personalized map allows for meticulous preoperative planning, tailored specifically to the patient’s anatomy.
During surgery, the robotic system guides the surgeon’s instruments with sub-millimeter accuracy. The surgeon is always in control, but the robot provides real-time feedback, ensuring implants are positioned and aligned precisely.
The success and longevity of a hip or knee replacement often depend on proper alignment and positioning of the implant. Even minor deviations can lead to uneven wear, instability, or the need for revision surgery later on. Robotic systems help minimize these risks by enhancing accuracy, leading to:
Who Can Benefit?
Most adults who need hip or knee replacement surgery may be candidates for muscle-sparing techniques, though eligibility depends on individual anatomy and medical history. A thorough evaluation with a surgeon who specializes in these methods can determine the best approach.
A Quicker Path Back to Life
Muscle-sparing joint replacement isn’t just about smaller incisions—it’s about preserving your body’s natural structure to support a safer, quicker, and more comfortable recovery. For many patients, it means getting back to doing what they love with less interruption and more confidence.
At Gough Surgical in Scottsdale, Dr. Brandon Gough’s expertise in minimally invasive, robotic assisted joint replacement surgery helps patients transform their lives. Since 2012, Dr. Gough pioneered the muscle sparing approaches to hip and knee replacements and has performed over 8,000 surgeries. From reducing pain and enhancing mobility to boosting mental wellbeing and restoring independence, the impact of Dr. Gough’s advanced surgical techniques, using robotics and muscle sparing goes far beyond the operating room. With robotic-assisted precision and a focus on patient-centered care, Dr. Gough ensures that every patient receives the best possible outcome and enjoys a better quality of life.
If joint pain is holding you back from living your best life, contact Gough Surgical today to schedule a consultation and learn how minimally invasive joint replacement can help you regain your freedom.
