Jiffy knee replacement

Posted by denhyg1run @denhyg1run, Oct 11, 2024

Has anyone heard about Jiffy Knee Replacement? It was invented by a Dr. Patel in Virginia. Supposedly they don't cut your femur or ligaments. Any knowledge would be beneficial. Here in Las Vegas, a Dr. McGee does them and the recovery is short and no need for pain meds. Thanks, Diana

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Profile picture for catheem @catheem

Ha Ha! I've read about the different ways TKR is done, and Jiffy Knee is (to me) just basically 'minimally invasive'. There are many surgeons that do minimally invasive, and if they don't, I personally feel that they are just used to doing it the traditional way and don't want to learn the other ways that are being done...So maybe just find a surgeon that does minimally invasive, which means no cutting through the quad tendon and muscles and a smaller incision! Good luck!

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I believe you need the "subvastus" approach which is then combined with minimally invasive surgery.

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You didn't have to take any pain meds? I have several steps in my townhouse. Will I be okay in your experience? I am 70 but in pretty good shape for my age. I am getting my first knee done August 11 and my second in October. I am quite nervous. I live alone. Thank you for ANY suggestions.

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I am having both of my knees done by a Jiffy surgeon in Michigan in August and October.

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Hi folks, and best of luck to all who undergo surgery. I think to go into a surgery with the expectation that no pain meds will be necessary is improper. There will be some discomfort in the days after the surgery when analgesics will be necessary. I have had surgery on both of my knees, 2 years apart, both utilizing the sub-vastus approach and 2 -3 days post surgery, I was in discomfort. Yes I am well-recovered now and my knees feel almost "like new" but there will be a time, most likely in the week following the procedure, that you will experience discomfort. My recommendation is buy the circulating water/ice machine - you can find a basic unit on the internet/Amazon for about $200. Ice often, elevate often and keep acetaminophen handy as well as something stronger for occasional use in that first week. Do your leg and foot "pumps" often, push down on that upper thigh to ensure you are straightening that leg, do your bending exercises as scheduled but respect the swelling. Walk often, keep a positive attitude - it will get better. Best to all! P.S. my procedure was not called "jiffy." My surgeon used a full length (approx 7-8" incision) and I was fine with that because I wanted him provided the best possible visualization of my "works." Yes he spared all the muscles with the sub-vastus approach but even the mid-vastus approach, which cuts through a small portion of the vastus medialis, is a good option because they carefully incise the muscle using a longitudinal method (rather than a cross-cut) and suture it back together when they are closing the knee. Good luck!

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I just had my 2nd knee replacement, MAKO, Stryker knee. My priority would be the best surgeon you know of practicing at a highly regarded hospital. Jiffy knee sounds nice and it seems to be advertised as 'easier.' I am skeptical that you can have this surgery without pain. Also keep in mind this approach is harder for the surgeon to visualize the joint. Personally I would opt for a more traditional approach, one using MAKO robotics. Yes it is painful, but you want it done right. Why is no one in NC trained in this procedure? Research the pros and the cons of Jiffy Knee.

Taken from AI Overview:

The Jiffy Knee procedure, a type of minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, offers potential benefits like reduced pain, faster recovery, and smaller scars compared to traditional knee replacement. However, it also presents challenges, including a steeper learning curve for surgeons and the need for specialized instruments. Long-term studies on the procedure's effectiveness are still limited.

Pros of Jiffy Knee:

Less Pain:
The Jiffy Knee technique aims to minimize trauma to the quadriceps muscle, potentially leading to less post-operative pain.

Faster Recovery:
Patients may experience a quicker return to normal activities and reduced need for pain medication.

Smaller Incisions:
The minimally invasive nature of the procedure allows for smaller incisions, resulting in less visible scarring.

Preservation of Muscle and Tendons:
Unlike traditional methods, the Jiffy Knee technique avoids cutting the quadriceps tendon and muscles, preserving these important structures.

Potential for Reduced Hospital Stay:
While not always the case, minimally invasive procedures can sometimes lead to shorter hospital stays.

Better Pain Control:
Some patients report experiencing less pain at night and a reduced need for narcotics, according to surgeons.

Cons of Jiffy Knee:

Technical Difficulty:
The Jiffy Knee procedure is considered more technically challenging, requiring specialized training and experience for surgeons.

Limited Long-Term Data:
Long-term studies on the Jiffy Knee's effectiveness are still ongoing, making it important to consider the potential risks and benefits.

Not Suitable for All Patients:
Minimally invasive techniques may not be appropriate for all patients, especially those with severe knee instability, deformities, or certain medical conditions such as obesity.

Potential for Increased Complication Rates:
Some studies suggest that minimally invasive procedures may have a slightly higher risk of complications for certain patients.

Specialized Instruments:
The procedure requires specific instruments, which may not be readily available to all surgeons.

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Profile picture for shen49 @shen49

The minimally invasive is still a 4-6" scar. Some use robotics and other docs do the older procedure.
Re Jiffy Knee, I have been looking into it for several months here in Scottsdale. However, I don't know anyone personally who has had this surgery.

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I am also in Phoenix. I highly recommend Mayo Clinic. Both knees done there and I can't say enough good things.

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I got the Jiffy knee a week ago and this was such an easy surgery compared to my other knee replacement which was good, no complications, but not cutting the quad makes a huge difference in recovery. Glad to hear your Mayo surgeries went well.

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Profile picture for lindielulu @lindielulu

I would like to know this too because that is what my surgeon uses. Can't seem to find much on this

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Dr Patel that created/trademarked the Jiffy Knee technique is my surgeon and he does not use robots at all. His technique uses specially designed medical instruments that allow a much smaller incision to have total knee.

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Profile picture for lachenmaier @lachenmaier

Has anybody had Jiffy knee replacement using the Velys robot and Attune knee system. Or does anybody know anything about these systems?

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I sure would like to get an answer to this, this is what is on the literature that I received from the doctor. I haven't seen anything on the Velys robot or Attune knee.

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I am having TKR in late September. My surgeon uses a subvastus approach which is basically what Jiffy knee does. He also use the CORI robot and the Journey II implants (he decides which one when he opens me up and determines the condition of my PCL and ACL).

My advice is to look for a doctor who uses the subvastus approach (going behind the muscles instead of cutting them) AND one who has successfully done hundreds (preferably thousands) of these particular procedures. I was chatting with my surgeon who is the primary inventor of the newest and least invasive hip replacement approaches (Superpath) and he agrees with those two steps but even though he is an inventor he believes that the second requirement (the experience requirement) is the most important.

There are many approaches to how to do a TKR including how and where to cut, whether a minimally invasive approach is used, whether a robot is used, which robot, which type of implant is used, whether the surgeon is going to try to save the ACL and/or the PCL AND -- MOST IMPORTANTLY -- how often the surgeon has successfully done his TKRs.

Do your research. If you can find a surgeon who does everything, go for it. If not, remember the advice that the most important requirement is the experience one!

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