Minimally Invasive Surgery for Total Knee Replacement

This report examines the use of minimally invasive surgical approaches for total knee replacement (MITKR). Minimally invasive unicompartmental surgery is outside the scope of this report.

The most common reason for undergoing a total knee replacement is osteoarthritis of the knee. Knee trauma and older age are associated with the development of osteoarthritis of the knee.

Minimally invasive total knee replacement surgery is intended to be less invasive than conventional total knee replacement. A minimally invasive procedure is distinguished from a conventional procedure by some or all of the following: a smaller incision; a deeper approach other than the standard medial para-patellar position such that the quadriceps tendon is not incised; subluxation rather than eversion of the...