MIS Knee Replacement

Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) for Total Knee Replacement

Minimally invasive surgery is improving patient’s lives after knee replacement. Patients have less post operative pain, recover faster and in many cases are hospitalized for only one or two nights. The benefits derived from minimally invasive surgery are due to the fact that no incision is made in the quadriceps tendon (the large muscle on the front of the thigh) and the procedure is done through a smaller skin incision causing less trauma to the soft tissues. Dr. Tarlow combines MIS technique with Computer Navigated instrumentation for the most precise placement of your new knee.

MIS Knee Replacement surgery requires reconfigured surgical instrument: A surgeon must have access to these special tools which are custom fabricated specifically for MIS knee replacement. When the MIS technique is combined with Computer Navigation, it allows for precise placement of the implant within a fraction of a degree. Studies indicate accurate implant alignment correlates with less implant wear and longer life of a knee replacement (up to 20 years).

Faster relief from arthritis knee pain: Patients keep saying their arthritis pain is resolved as early as several days after MIS Knee replacement. They are walking without assistive devices predictably within 2 weeks of surgery. Patients report being able to return to work between 3-6 weeks after MIS Knee replacement. Results vary depending on individual’s physical condition and other constitutional characteristics.

Implants for MIS and Traditional Knee replacement are identical. Dr. Tarlow uses the Stryker Triathlon implant because of the superior range of motion both male and female patients can achieve in knee flexion and rotation, and due to the superior fit on both the female knee (only two implant designs are engineered to fit a woman’s knee properly). The Stryker Triathlon is designed with the woman’s knee in mind. It is designed with a range of sizing options, the smaller sizes being narrower to accommodate a woman’s knee and the larger sizes being wider to provide a better fit on a man’s knee (the best of both worlds).

Computer Navigated Knee Replacement Surgery

Computer Assisted Surgery (CAS) helps the surgeon precisely align the artificial knee implants within a fraction of a degree. Studies indicate accurate implant alignment correlates with less implant wear and the longer life of a knee replacement.

During computer navigated surgery tracking devices (transducers) placed in the thigh bone and shin bone collects and sends an electronic signal to a computer to provide a comprehensive understanding of your joint mechanics. The software program maps out the unique geometry of each patient’s leg bones. This is displayed on a video screen with real time information in the operating room in the surgeon’s line of sight. The surgeon uses this map to accurately choose where to cut the end of the thigh bone and top of the shin bone for optimal anatomic implant alignment. Computer navigation is also used to size the implant, properly rotate the implant, and to balance the gap between the thigh and shin implant to within one millimeter. The navigation software records knee range of motion at the end of each stage of the operation allowing the surgeon to document each patient’s motion profile in the operative report. This is useful for directing postoperative rehabilitation.

The benefits of Computer Navigation combined with the benefits of MIS technique are revolutionizing the recovery of patients after knee replacement surgery. As a surgeon, it is very rewarding to hear my patient’s express how pleased they are with their new knee (Total Knee Replacement) and to see their enthusiasm by having the ability to return to their normal daily activities once experiencing the latest advancements of Minimally Invasive Surgery combined with computer assisted navigation.