Frequently Asked Questions
MIS Procedure for the M/G Uni Knee Replacement
Q. What is Partial Knee Replacement, and How is it Different from Total Knee Replacement?
A. In total knee replacement surgery, the damaged surfaces of all three
bones are resurfaced with metal and plastic implants. Using special,
precision instruments, our surgeon will typically remove the damaged
surfaces. The replacement surfaces will then be fixed into place. The
surface of the upper bone is replaced with a rounded metal component that
comes very close to matching the curve of your natural bone. The surface of
the lower bone is replaced with a flat metal component and a slab of
ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene plastic to serve as the cartilage,
or the entire component may be plastic. The undersurface of the kneecap also
may be replaced with a round disc made of the same polyethylene plastic.
Partial knee replacement is an option for patients who do not require total knee replacement because some of the joint surfaces are still healthy. In partial knee replacement surgery, the surgeon removes only the diseased portion of the knee before placing the implant, leaving the healthy portion untouched. This means that the surfaces are replaced on only one side of the joint, that is, only one of the rounded projections is replaced beneath it.
Q. What is the difference between the MIS procedure and the standard procedure?
A. The MIS procedure involves removing only the diseased portion of the knee, through an incision that is one-third to one-fourth the size of a traditional knee replacement incision. Rehabilitation time after the MIS procedure is estimated at five weeks. Traditional, total knee replacement surgery involves removing or resurfacing more parts of the knee, including both condyles and often the underside of the kneecap. Rehabilitation time for a total knee is estimated at 12 weeks. Most total knee replacements are performed on patients 65 years of age and older; whereas, the majority of patients receiving the MIS procedure for the M/G Uni Knee are 55 and older.
If partial knee replacement is not an option for you, you may want to ask your doctor about minimally invasive procedures for total knee replacement, such as the Zimmer MIS Mini-Incision or MIS Quad-Sparing TKA.
Q. What are the benefits of the MIS procedure compared to traditional knee replacement surgery?
A. Clinical results suggest that patients who undergo the MIS procedure may experience a shorter hospital stay (24 hours or fewer), faster rehabilitation and a smaller incision scar. Patients may also experience an increased range of motion after recovery. A successful Uni Knee replacement may delay, and in some cases, prevent a more extensive knee replacement surgery.
Q. Is MIS Partial Knee Replacement Better?
A. The MIS partial knee replacement procedure may not help your new knee joint function better or last longer than traditional surgery, but it might help make your surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation faster and easier for you.
Q. How do I know if I am a candidate for the MIS procedure and Uni Knee Replacement?
A. A number of factors can determine whether a patient is qualified to undergo the MIS procedure for the Uni Knee replacement and how successful the procedure will be. An ideal candidate is someone who has osteoarthritis of the knee that is isolated to only one condyle (or compartment) of the knee. Candidates also may include people who are not responding to other forms of treatment such as medication, arthroscopy or cartilage transfers. The Uni Knee replacement is not performed on individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
Q. How Do I Decide?
A. The decision to have the MIS procedure for an M/G Uni Knee replacement is up to you and your orthopaedic surgeon. Your doctor will consider a number of factors, including: medical history, weight, health status, and anatomical structure, including bone structure and extent and pattern of arthritis.
Q. Is the procedure covered by insurance?
A. Yes. Although insurance plans vary, the MIS partial knee procedure is usually covered by insurance in the same manner that traditional unicompartmental knee replacement surgery is covered. Check with your insurance plan in advance to be sure.
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