Minimally invasive knee replacement

I'm no surgeon, but I've had both knees replaced and am very happy. The 8" scar is pencil-line wide really only visible on my kneecap and only if you know to look.

If Cleveland Clinic says "not yet" to a minimally invasive procedure that's fine with me. I'd much rather the surgeon and the team had enough room to do this rather complex procedure properly. And I don't think scarring is a factor. And however it's placed, the prostheses are the same and the recovery time is likely the same.

Agree that getting the prostheses in right is by far the priority.

The benefit of minimally invasive is not smaller scar size, but less cutting into the quad and its tendon. If true, that’s a clear plus. Supposedly, robotics mitigate the “working under the sink with a bad flashlight and I can’t get the wrench on that nut” factor.

Dr. Berger, (Rush) has a good reputation, & apprently many "famous" people choose him. However, the "ad" printed above is not accurate with regard to 4-5 day stays, waiting 2-3 months to drive, etc. for TKRs done by other surgeons. Dr. Berger accepts NO insurance, & I don't believe many patients can afford to pay "out of pocket". Most experienced & well trained orthopedic surgeons now use "minimally invasive" techniques. Mine did, and as another writer noted, most patients have 5-6" scars which heal well. Everyone heals differently, & time & patience are needed after a TKR. It's imperative to do the necessary PT & exercises also. Unfortunately, a small percentage of patients will not have the result they hoped for, for a variety of reasons.

My girlfriend’s scar was 18 inches and was as thick as a rope at least after surgery and that was 2019. Her other leg done the same year is identical . Anyone considering this surgery should make sure the thigh muscle isn’t cut . This is what makes that type of surgery such a long recovery . I can’t be certain if surgery is still done this way today but it was not that long ago that she had hers. Possible she had an old school surgeon but in 2019 only 4 surgeons were trained in the minimal invasive and Rush is at the forefront in orthopedic surgery . I would just ask a lot of questions if anyone is considering TKR. My implant was titanium , not sure what other surgeons are using . I’m interested to know if anyone has had an experience like my girlfriend since I don’t want to scare anyone. However, it did take her many months to fully recover and I did only 4 weeks of PT to have normal range of motion . My leg was seriously bowed and affecting my hip . I was thrilled to see it straight after surgery ! There were many patients at that time flying in from out of state that I met in waiting rooms so I’m curious what state you’re in. Glad you had a wonderful outcome with your surgery !!

Just read your response after posting mine . Dr. Berger accepted my insurance but I got in right before I turned 65. My Neighbor had his first with Berger but was on Medicare last year for his second which he doesn’t accept. He told me cost was 30k so he went to another surgeon at Rush. Interesting he doesn’t accept any insurance now .