Total Knee: Minmally Invasive Total Knee Surgery

Advanced Solutions for Knee Pain Sufferers

Total knee replacement (TKR) is a surgical procedure in which all of the surfaces in the knee joint are removed and an artificial knee joint called a prosthesis is implanted. Total knee replacement has been performed since the 1960s and has excellent long-term results. However, the 3- to 5-day hospital stay and 3- to 12-week recovery period can present an obstacle to many candidates for this procedure.

For patients who have arthritis on only one surface (or compartment) of the knee, partial knee resurfacing (PKR) or uni-knee replacement, offers a promising new alternative to total knee replacement. In this procedure, only the damaged surface of the knee joint is replaced, minimizing trauma to healthy bone and tissue.

Unicompartmental knee implants, like the EIUS Uni-Knee System from Howmedica Osteonics, were developed with patient needs in mind. The implant is anatomically shaped and enables surgeons to use the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques for this procedure.

Because uni-knee implants are so much smaller than a total knee prosthesis, the surgical incision can be significantly smaller as well. The surgeon removes only damaged bone in the affected knee and fits the implant to that bone surface. The incision is closed with small, self-dissolving sutures that are hidden underneath the skin.

Because most of the knee joint is unaffected and the basic knee structure remains intact, postoperative pain is reduced and recovery is faster. Patients typically leave the hospital within 24 hours and do not require physical therapy. A few gentle exercises and progressive walking are the only rehabilitation needed.

Based on a patient’s age, weight, and activity level, a uni-knee implant can be expected to last several years. Afterwards, it can easily be replaced or, if needed, converted to a total knee replacement.