Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

With the aging of the baby-boomer generation, the world faces a cold reality –– it might be time to slow down. But for millions of individuals, being 50+ doesn't mean a life of inactivity. A new minimally invasive procedure for knee replacements may help individuals who face osteoarthritis of the knee, allowing them to keep pace with life.

Osteoarthritis affects more than 21 million individuals in the United States. A degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis. The disease causes the cartilage normally found in joints to break down. This breakdown removes the buffer between bones and the resulting bone-against-bone friction causes pain and eventual loss of movement. Symptoms include joint pain or aching (often after exercise or extended periods of pressure on weight-bearing joints) and limited or eventual loss of motion.

Some, but not all, patients may benefit from Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). The benefits of an MIS procedure are:

Smaller scar - uses a 2 - to 3-inch incision and removes only the diseased portion of the knee

Shorter hospital stay - may be performed on an outpatient basis; hospitalization time is minimized

Faster rehab/recovery time - an estimated five-weeks for many patients, but may vary

Greater range of motion when compared to standard total knee procedures (non-high flex) - allows for nearly full range of motion

You may discuss with your doctor if you are a candidate for this type of procedure.

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