1. Rheumatoid Arthritis Slideshow Pictures
2. Take the RA Quiz
3. Understanding Lupus Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

B Sonny Bal, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

View Full Profile

During minimally invasive knee surgery, the person lies on his or her back. With this type of surgery, the instruments used are specially designed by the implant companies to allow for small incisions. Also, the implants that are used may be slightly different, although no less durable, than the implants that are used to replace a diseased knee with a standard knee replacement procedure.

Computer navigation is an important advancement that may contribute to the overall safety and effectiveness of any knee replacement procedure. It improves the surgeon's ability to place the prosthetic parts accurately. For nearly all knee replacements, the surgeon must place metal rods inside the hollow parts of the major bones close to the knee joint (the femur and the tibia). Placement of these metal rods helps the surgeon measure the alignment of the knee and position the implants accurately. However, the risks of this procedure include disruption of the bone marrow, bleeding, and an increased possibility of blood clots.

Computer navigation helps the surgeon consistently align and position the parts without invading the cavities of any of the long bones around the knee joint. This technology, which is expensive and available only at select medical centers, represents the future of knee replacement surgery. Small markers are placed at vital anatomical points on the leg, and the computer-based system can read the positions of these markers, compute the optimal alignment, and customize it for each patient. Ultimately, all knee replacements will likely be performed using some type of software-driven navigation.

Must Read Articles Related to Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

Knee Injury Knee injuries may be caused by a direct blow to the knee or by twisting or stretching of the ligaments, tendons, and surrounding muscles. Knee pain and swelling...learn more >>

Knee Joint Replacement The procedure of knee joint replacement is called a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This surgery involves replacing your knee joint with a manmade one. Osteoarth...learn more >>

Knee Pain Overview Knee pain has a wide variety of causes and treatments. Home care for knee pain involves protecting the knee from further trauma, in addition to resting, icing, ...learn more >>

See the Entire Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement Topic Guide »