In my experience, I can confidently say that muscles and tendons are indeed cut during traditional knee replacement surgery. This is because the surgeon needs to access the knee joint in order to remove the damaged parts and replace them with prosthetic components.
During the surgery, a long incision is made over the middle of the knee, typically about 8-12 inches in length. This incision allows the surgeon to see the knee joint and work on it effectively. However, in order to reach the joint, muscles, tendons, and ligaments need to be cut or moved aside.
The quadriceps muscle, which is responsible for extending the knee, is one of the major muscles that is affected. The tendon of the quadriceps muscle, called the quadriceps tendon, is usually cut to allow the surgeon to access the knee joint. In some cases, the patellar tendon, which connects the patella (kneecap) to the tibia (shinbone), may also be cut or detached.
Additionally, other muscles and tendons around the knee may be partially or completely cut, depending on the extent of the surgery and the specific approach used by the surgeon. This can include the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, the posterior cruciate ligament, and the medial and lateral menisci.
The cutting of muscles, tendons, and ligaments during traditional knee replacement surgery can result in a more painful recovery and a longer healing process. This is because these tissues need time to heal and regain strength after being cut or manipulated. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are often necessary to regain full function and range of motion in the knee.
It is worth mentioning that advancements in surgical techniques have led to the development of minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, which aims to minimize muscle and soft tissue damage. In these procedures, smaller incisions are made and specialized instruments are used to access the knee joint. This can result in a faster recovery and less postoperative pain compared to traditional surgery.
Muscles and tendons are indeed cut during traditional knee replacement surgery in order to access the knee joint and perform the necessary procedures. However, advancements in surgical techniques have allowed for the development of less invasive approaches that aim to minimize tissue damage and improve patient outcomes.