Minimally Invasive Surgery for Knee replacement
What is MIS?
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is a general term used to describe any surgical procedure that utilizes a smaller incision than conventional surgery. Just like conventional knee replacement surgery, there are two main types of MIS knee joint replacement:
MIS Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
Only the damaged surface of the knee joint is replaced, minimizing trauma to healthy bone and tissue. Because PKR implants are much smaller than total knee implants, the surgical incision may be significantly smaller as well.
MIS Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Performed through a three to four inch incision, compared to eight to twelve inches for conventional TKR. The amount of soft tissue (muscles and tendons, etc.) disrupted during surgery may also be reduced.
Is MIS right for you?
The potential risks are that results may often vary from person to person. Not all people may realize the potential benefits from these relatively new procedures. Some people may participate in more activities than others after having the procedure. Only your orthopaedic specialist can properly evaluate whether you are a candidate for an MIS knee replacement. The long-term as well as the short-term benefits and risks of an MIS knee replacement should always be discussed.
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