What is the newest type of knee replacement surgery?

As of March 2015, the newest type of knee replacement surgery is a quadriceps-sparing, minimally-invasive total knee replacement, according to the University of Washington Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine. The surgical technique uses a shorter incision than in traditional replacements, which reduces trauma to the quadriceps muscle around the knee.

Patients who undergo surgery with the new knee replacement technique regain their knee function and muscle strength more quickly than patients who had the traditional surgery, states Dr. Seth S. Leopold of UW Medicine. Patients also have less post-operative pain and less need for rehabilitation with the new technique than with the old.