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The Future of Knee Joint Replacement Is Here

In this article, Dr. Reid and his associates report on the use of arthroscopy for total knee replacement. This way of doing the operation is called minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty or MIS-TKA. An incision of less than five inches is used. The kneecap is moved out of the way, but it isn't turned over like it would be in the more traditional open-incision operation.

The authors review when the MIS-TKA is best used and when it should be avoided. Obese patients and anyone with extreme knee deformities shouldn't have the MIS-TKA. They also point out the benefits of the MIS-TKA. There is less blood loss and less trauma to the soft tissues around the knee. The muscles reportedly recover faster.

For doctors thinking about using the MIS-TKA to replace knee joints, there are tips on the incision, using an assistant, and positioning the patient. Special surgical instruments must be used for this operation. The author reviews where and how to make cuts in the soft tissues and bone during the operation. The surgeon must use a fine touch throughout the operation and make changes to suit each individual patient.

References: John B. Reid, III, MD, et al. Minimally Invasive Surgery: Total Knee Arthroplasty. In Arthroscopy. October 2004. Vol. 20. No. 8. Pp. 884-889.

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