Minimally Invasive Surgery Overview

Introduced to the Orthopaedic Surgeon Community in the late 90's, Minimal Invasive Surgery (MIS) allows patients to recover faster from their surgery with less pain. Following the principles of Arthroscopic and Laproscopic Surgery, the technique employs small incisions that allow the insertion of the implant with less disruption of the muscles and ligaments around the artificial joint. In some cases x-ray and computer guidance are utilized during the surgical procedure. The end result is an implant (hip or knee) that can be

inserted enabling patients to recover faster. Many of restrictions that limit recovery in the standard surgical approach are not needed with MIS surgery. MIS requires a shorter hospital stay and allows the return of ones normal activities sooner. MIS technique utilizes the standard implants that are available to all patients. However in certain cases, special implant technology maybe used. Alternative bearing technology and special new implant surfaces can be employed with MIS so that the durability of the implant can theoretically be prolonged. The bearing surface durability can be enhanced through the use of new wear-resistant polyethylene called longeveitypoly, http://www.zimmer.com. This bearing surface has wear properties that are equal to that of ceramic and metal-on-metal technology. In addition, a new extremely porous surface, Trabecular Metal, http://www.zimmer.com, can be implanted with this technique. This new surface allows rapid healing of the bone with the implant and maintains the relation.