Richard W. Vanis, MD

Procedures & Services: Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS)

A popular innovation of the total knee and hip procedure is called MIS (minimally invasive surgery). By definition it is a less invasive procedure than "open" surgery. Specialized techniques are used that are supposed to leave less scarring and yield a faster healing time because a smaller incision is used. Typically, there is only a three to four inch incision and potentially there should be less trauma to surrounding muscles and tendons near the knee joint.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures may be precluded because of:

Patient size
Deformity
Anatomy of the patient
Anatomical Variations
Incisional size is variable to the individual and the smallest incision that allows for adequate surgical access is always used

The important thing to understand about MIS is the last bullet point; the smallest incision is always used. The size of the incision may determine the success or failure of the procedure. If you do not meet the criteria at the time of surgery and a procedure is done with inadequate access because of the restrictions of the size of the incision, it could interfere with the success of your surgery.

Serving the Greater San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles Areas

301 W. Huntington Drive, Suite 617 • Arcadia, CA 91007 • T 626-574-9745 • F 626-574-8741