Advantages of Minimally Invasive knee replacement surgery

Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery (MIKRS) has gained currency in recent years due to the advances in surgical methods and computer-assisted medical technology. Doctors, implant companies, and hospitals use the term to refer to several different strategies and procedures. Many of these strategies and procedures are aimed at performing knee replacement through smaller incisions. By reducing the size of the incision, the surgeon is able to reduce the damage to the underlying structure of the knee, which in turn, does less injury to the patient. However, always remember that the size of the incision will be dictated by the size of the implants and the need to be able to manipulate them inside the joint to get the optimal positioning. Getting accurate positioning is key to the success of the entire procedure.

Some of these strategies and procedures closely resemble the existing techniques in knee replacement surgery that have been used for years. Therefore the term can be misleading. An article put out by the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine reads:

“Many of the so-called minimally invasive procedures are simply variations of existing techniques to implant total knees, except that they are done through smaller incisions. Other techniques are genuine advances that go much beyond just making a smaller skin cut. The ultimate goal is not only to make a shorter skin cut, but also to reduce deep muscle trauma associated with surgery, such that pain is lessened, discharge is expedited, and the need for prolonged physical therapy is reduced.”

If your orthopedic surgeon has training and experience in MIS, there can be several advantages to going with this new surgical technique. However, it is important to note that not every patient’s situation will allow for the procedure. In the case where the surgeon is experienced and the patient’s situation allows for MIS, then this may be an option to consider.