Updated 8/31/08

New Procedure Offers a Less Invasive Alternative for Patients With Chronic Knee Pain

Cleveland Clinic orthopedic surgeons have for the first time used a new minimally invasive technique to repair knees damaged by arthritis and physical activity. The arthroscopic knee resurfacing/replacement procedure is designed to help patients recover more rapidly, minimizing pain and discomfort.

The UniCAP?? compartmental resurfacing system provides physicians with the option of treating both the femur and tibia sides of the knee joint with a partial resurfacing technique, rather than a more invasive knee replacement. This technique is a new option for patients considering one of the current total or partial knee resurfacing techniques to relieve arthritis in only one compartment of the knee. The system made by Arthrosurface?? is FDA cleared.

“We anticipate that patients who undergo this new procedure will be able to leave the hospital on the same or next day of their surgery,” said Anthony Miniaci, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon and Director of Cleveland Clinic Sports Health. “This is really the first procedure of its kind to use arthroscopy. It resects less bone than current alternatives, minimizing scarring, pain and recovery time.”

During the procedure, a surgeon removes only damaged cartilage and minimal bone in the affected knee. He or she then fits an implant to that bone, helping to minimize trauma to healthy bone and tissue. The procedure can be done via an open incision or via tiny arthroscopic incisions. A small incision is necessary to insert the implants into the knee.

Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that uses small incisions, pencil sized instruments and a camera to visualize, diagnose, and treat problems inside a joint. The first patient to undergo the procedure was a 46-year-old man with an active lifestyle whose chronic knee pain was affecting his quality of life. He had undergone two surgeries previously for sports-related injuries and wanted to continue his active lifestyle, but also wanted to avoid a total knee surgery. He was able to return to work 12 days after his surgery.

Anthony Miniaci, M.D., is an inventor of the implant, a corporate official and shareholder of Athrosurface?? , the sponsor of the research on this device. Athrosurface?? pays him consulting fees and he receives royalties.

About Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Cleveland Clinic was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. U.S.News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey.

Approximately 1,800 full-time salaried physicians and researchers at Cleveland Clinic and Cleveland Clinic Florida represent more than 100 medical specialties and subspecialties. In 2007, there were 3.5 million outpatient visits to Cleveland Clinic and 50,455 hospital admissions. Patients came for treatment from every state and from more than 80 countries. Cleveland Clinic’s Web site address is https://www.clevelandclinic.org/.