Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) Knee Arthroplasty is the most modern method of total knee replacement, offering significantly better outcomes in much less time compared to traditional techniques. It fully restores knee functionality and relieves the patient from pain, allowing a quick return to daily activities.
What is Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Total knee arthroplasty is a surgical procedure that replaces the damaged knee joint affected by arthritis with a special prosthesis (new joint) made of metal alloys and polyethylene (plastic).
It is indicated for patients with advanced and chronic knee arthritis of any type (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, post-traumatic arthritis) after conservative treatments such as medication, intra-articular injections, and physical therapy have failed.
How is Minimally Invasive Knee Arthroplasty Performed?
The knee is accessed through a much smaller incision compared to classic arthroplasty. This results in a better cosmetic but mainly functional outcome. The smaller incision spares the anatomical structures around the knee and does not cut the quadriceps muscle.
The quadriceps muscle and tendon are very important for knee function, and avoiding their injury is perhaps the most distinctive feature of MIS knee arthroplasty. This leads to minimal postoperative pain, immediate recovery of knee flexion and extension, and faster return to activities.
The patient can stand a few hours after surgery, once the anesthesia wears off, and can return home within 1-2 days.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Knee Arthroplasty
- Avoids injury to muscles and tendons
- Less soft tissue trauma
- Smaller incisions and avoidance of postoperative scars
- Less blood loss and reduced need for transfusions
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay (1-2 days versus 4-6 days with traditional techniques)
- Immediate mobilization a few hours after surgery
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities
Step-by-Step Minimally Invasive Knee Arthroplasty
First, a small longitudinal incision is made on the front of the knee and the bone is prepared: damaged cartilage surfaces are removed from the tibia and femur, along with a small portion of bone. Then, the implants are placed: the removed cartilage and bone are replaced by metal implants. Finally, a polyethylene plastic insert is placed between the implants, creating a smooth, gliding surface.
The prosthesis used consists of special titanium and steel alloys that replace the joint surfaces and polyethylene that acts as an insert, all highly durable and fully biocompatible materials. The components of this artificial joint closely resemble the natural anatomy of the knee.
Minimally invasive arthroplasty can also be combined with the use of special customized implants (Personalized Arthroplasty), designed according to the patient’s knee anatomy using advanced technology and 3D CT imaging.
Anastasios Deligeorgis
Orthopedic Surgeon – Sports Medicine Specialist