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MIS TKR - Minimally Invasive Surgery for Total Knee Replacement

For a better postoperative experience that includes reduced pain, a minimal hospital stay and quick recovery, patients are enjoying the benefits of minimally invasive surgery for total knee replacement. (MIS TKR).

With MIS TKR, a very small skin incision is made. The exact site of the location is determined based on a number of individual factors about the patient. This incision does not affect the quadriceps tendon - the large muscle located on the anterior of the thigh. Therefore, there is less soft tissue trauma, and the patient experiences greater recovery benefits.

Dr. Tarlow has been using a combination of Computer Navigation and MIS TKR techniques since August 2004. This produces the most precise knee placement possible.

Many patients wonder if they would be good candidates for MIS TKR. A surgeon who is experienced in this procedure can determine this with an in-office evaluation and examination. Sometimes, the decision to use this procedure is made during the knee surgery.

Click here for more on Knee Arthroscopy.

Women may to better with MIS TKR than men. For one thing, they tend to have a BMI (body mass index) less than 35. Additionally, they may have greater preoperative flexibility of the knee tissues combined with good ROM (range-of-motion). Furthermore, women tend to have bowed or knocked knees. This mild deformity is actually an advantage to the surgery.

Men may not make good candidates for this procedure due to generally having a BMI of greater than 35 coupled with more muscle tissue and stiffness of the knee tissue. Multiple past knee surgeries often complicate the procedure for men as well as large knee deformities.

Computer-assisted surgery reduces errors and improves outcomes in hip and knee surgery. When used in an orthopedic application, computer-assisted surgery is very helpful in identifying the surgical anatomy, which helps improve surgical accuracy.

Using computer based tools makes it easier to repeat surgical procedures. They increase the accuracy of the procedures and improve the quality of orthopedic surgery. However, these techniques are not yet fully accepted in the US. In Germany, this type of surgery is used more than 40% of the time, while in the US, it is used only 3% of the time. The reasons for this have to do with cost, surgeon preference, efficacy, and technology variations.

In order to best benefit society with this technology, it will be necessary for industry, government, and surgeons to work together to develop standards for computer assisted surgery and imaging.

Click here for more on Dr. Stefan Tarlow, a leading Phoenix knee doctor.

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