Page 14 - Orthofeed_Issue4_Feb2022

Article 1

Emerging role of minimally

invasive surgery in knee

replacements surgery

Knee replacement surgeries have made significant
advancements over the past years in patient outcome
and cost-effectiveness. Minimally invasive surgery has
taken orthopedic surgery up a notch with many benefits
to patients, just as its name promises to be. Majority of
surgeons tend to find this mode of surgery useful and
accessible. The procedure is highly simplified since it
uses micro-incisions and powerful miniature tools for joint Figure 1. Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty
resurfacing. 1 using computer-assisted navigation technology 4

Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery uses shorter
incisions than traditional knee replacement (Figure 1). The incision length is typically 4 to 6 inches long; hence
small incision means minor tissue damage and a more manageable recovery rate. The technique used in
2
minimally invasive surgery is also known as ‘quadriceps sparing,’ as it avoids trauma to the quadriceps muscles
and tendons during a knee replacement surgery. 3

The procedure allows joint exposure, thus leading to less muscle tension, low postoperative pain, and reduced
recovery time.2 Surgeons have found this procedure more enduring and influential as it involves a shorter hospital
stay, less pain, quicker recovery, less scarring, a lower rate of infection, and a better quality of life with improved
aesthetics. 1

However, minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is not considered suitable for overweight patients and
those who have undergone multiple knee replacement surgeries. Minimally invasive knee replacement surgery is
3
a newfound technique that requires more extensive research to determine its long-term significance and
durability. 2

References
1) New Knee Replacement Technology 2022 [Surgery & It's Types]. Regenio. https://regenio.com/new-knee-replacement-technology-2022/. Published 2022. Accessed February
22, 2022.
2) Minimally-Invasive Surgery (MIS) Quadriceps-Sparing Total Knee Replacement. Orthop.washington.edu.
https://orthop.washington.edu/patient-care/articles/knee/minimally-invasive-surgery-mis-quadriceps-sparing-total-knee-replacement. Published 2022. Accessed February 22,
2022.
3) Replacement M. Minimally Invasive Knee Joint Replacement. Ypo.education.
https://www.ypo.education/orthopaedics/knee/minimally-invasive-knee-joint-replacement-t137/video/. Published 2022. Accessed February 22, 2022.

4) Picard F, Deakin A, Balasubramanian N, Gregori A. Minimally invasive total knee replacement: techniques and results. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. 2018;28(5):781-791.