Minimally Invasive TKR

Benefits to Patients
Though surgeons changed little about the classic technique, the positive improvements for patients are significant. The smaller cut, a 60-percent decrease in length, means there is less trauma to underlying muscles and to the soft tissues around the knee. As a result, pain from the surgery is greatly reduced, allowing for less dependence on prescription pain medication and a faster return to physical activity.

As you might imagine, not only is trauma limited by using the Smith & Nephew minimally invasive total knee system, but you can also expect a smaller, less visible scar after the incision has healed.

In general, any patient can benefit from a less invasive technique. In some cases, due to the size and/or weight of the patient, the incision must be extended, but still the trauma to the surrounding soft tissues is reduced when compared to traditional total knee replacement procedures.

Each patient is unique, and thus it is important to consult with your surgeon. He or she can provide you with answers to your questions about how minimally invasive knee replacement might work for you. Your surgeon will do his best to keep the incision as small as possible, but there are times when the patient is best served by a larger surgical incision.