Muscle Sparing Knee Replacement

Each year, hundreds of thousands of patients undergo knee replacement surgery — and many now ask specifically about muscle-sparing techniques that may reduce pain and speed recovery. At Scottsdale Hip & Knee, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Albert specializes in true muscle-sparing knee replacement using a subvastus approach with an oblique incision, for both partial and total knee replacement. By combining muscle preservation with advanced robotic-assisted precision and personalized patient care, Dr. Albert helps patients recover more comfortably without compromising long-term knee function or durability.

To learn more or schedule a consultation, call our office or book an appointment online today.

Muscle-Sparing Knee Replacement

Subvastus Knee Replacement in Scottsdale, AZ

Preserving Muscle. Reducing Pain. Enhancing Recovery — With Precision That Lasts.

At Scottsdale Hip & Knee, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Albert specializes in true muscle-sparing knee replacement for both partial and total knee replacement, using an advanced subvastus approach with an oblique incision. This technique is similar in concept to what many patients know as the “Jiffy Knee,” but is elevated through robotic-assisted precision, patient-specific preoperative surgical planning, and a practice philosophy where patients are personally known and cared for — not rushed through a high-volume system.

Dr. Albert’s philosophy is simple:
Protect the muscle. Respect the knee. Optimize the mechanics.

What Does “Muscle-Sparing” Knee Replacement Mean?

Traditional knee replacement often requires cutting through or splitting the quadriceps tendon to access the knee joint. While effective, this can contribute to:

• Increased postoperative pain

• Delayed quadriceps activation

• Longer time to regain strength

Muscle-sparing knee replacement avoids cutting the quadriceps tendon. Instead, Dr. Albert gently lifts the quadriceps muscle to access the joint, preserving its integrity and function.

This approach can be used for:

• Robotic Total Knee Replacement

• Robotic Partial Knee Replacement

Understanding the Surgical Approaches

There are several ways surgeons access the knee during replacement surgery:

• Traditional (Medial Parapatellar) Approach
  Cuts through the quadriceps tendon for exposure

• Mid-Vastus Approach
  Splits the quadriceps muscle fibers

• Subvastus Approach (Dr. Albert’s Technique)
  Preserves the quadriceps tendon and muscle by working beneath it

The subvastus approach is the most technically demanding but offers meaningful benefits when performed by an experienced surgeon.

Benefits of the Subvastus Muscle-Sparing Approach

When appropriately performed, muscle-sparing knee replacement may offer:

• Less postoperative pain and swelling

• Earlier ability to walk and bear weight

• Faster return of quadriceps strength

• Improved confidence and early knee control

• A knee that feels more natural during recovery

These benefits are why many patients actively search for terms like “muscle-sparing knee replacement” or “Jiffy knee.”

What Muscle-Sparing Surgery Does Not Do on Its Own

This is a critical distinction — and one Dr. Albert is very transparent about.

While muscle-sparing techniques help with recovery and comfort, they do not by themselves:

• Improve implant alignment

• Optimize component positioning

• Ensure ligament balance

• Guarantee long-term durability

Poor implant positioning can still lead to:

• Instability

• Early wear

• Persistent pain

• Revision surgery

That’s why muscle-sparing surgery alone is not enough.

Why Muscle-Sparing + Robotic Surgery Works So Well Together

Dr. Albert combines the subvastus muscle-sparing approach with robotic-assisted knee replacement, creating a powerful synergy:

Robotic technology allows for:

• Precise implant positioning to the millimeter

• Personalized alignment based on your anatomy

• Accurate ligament balancing

• Reproducible, data-driven surgical execution

When combined with muscle preservation, this approach addresses both sides of success:

• How you recover

• How your knee functions long term

Patient-Centered Knee Replacement — Not One-Size-Fits-All

Not every patient is a candidate for a full muscle-sparing approach. Factors that may limit candidacy include:

• Prior knee surgery and scar tissue

• Severe deformity

• Very high BMI

• Complex anatomy

If a muscle-sparing approach is not ideal, Dr. Albert still prioritizes:

• Minimally invasive techniques

• Robotic precision

• Thoughtful soft-tissue handling

• Clear communication and shared decision-making

The goal is always the right operation for the right patient — not a marketing label.

Why Choose Dr. Ben Albert for Muscle-Sparing Knee Replacement?

• Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee reconstruction

• Extensive experience with robotic total and partial knee replacement

• Expertise in true subvastus muscle-sparing techniques

• Advanced robotic systems for precision and longevity

• Patient-centered care focused on outcomes, safety, and trust

Take the Next Step Toward a Better Recovery — and a Better Knee

If you’ve been researching muscle-sparing knee replacement or hearing about the “Jiffy Knee,” it’s important to understand both the benefits and the limitations.

At Scottsdale Hip & Knee, Dr. Ben Albert offers a thoughtful, evidence-based approach that combines muscle preservation, robotic precision, and personalized care — helping patients recover faster without compromising long-term results.

Call our office or book a consultation online today to learn whether muscle-sparing knee replacement is right for you.