Bonutti Technologies: About the Founder: Minimally Invasive Knee Replacement

Total joint replacement was one of the most significant advances in orthopedic surgery in the 20th century, enabling millions of patients suffering from severe joint pain and stiffness to return to active and rewarding lives. In Total Knee Replacement (TKR), diseased or damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. Performed since the 1960s, TKR is one of the safest and most successful types of surgery.

Now, Peter Bonutti has developed a patented surgical technique called Limited-Incision Total Knee Replacement, or the L-I Approach™. This procedure adapts the latest advances in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and instrumentation to TKR. The L-I Approach™ is a total knee replacement (not a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement), and it promises to make TKR in the 21st century safer and more effective than ever.

Conventional TKR
In total knee replacement, the prosthesis made of metal and polyethylene (a durable plastic) is placed through an 8- to 12-inch incision. The surgeon cuts through muscles and tendons, pushing them aside to expose the joint. After the prosthesis is in place, the muscles and tendons are reconstructed and the incision is closed. The surgery takes two hours, and it can take several months to recover from the large incision and muscle disruption.

Advanced Limited-Incision TKR
The L-I Approach™ total knee replacement procedure uses a different leg position and patented instruments and techniques. The same high-quality, time-proven TKR prosthesis components are used and are held in place with cement. The actual removal and replacement of the damaged joint is also similar, but the surgical incision is only 3 to 4 inches long. The incision is actually smaller than the joint implant itself. In addition, the surgeon does not have to disturb as many muscles and tendons, for a more natural reconstruction and a quicker rehabilitation.

An L-I Approach™ total knee replacement procedure takes only one hour and results in many advantages for the patient, including:

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Total joint replacement was one of the most significant advances in orthopedic surgery in the 20th century, enabling millions of patients suffering from severe joint pain and stiffness to return to active and rewarding lives. In Total Knee Replacement (TKR), diseased or damaged bone and cartilage in the knee joint is removed and replaced with an artificial joint called a prosthesis. Performed since the 1960s, TKR is one of the safest and most successful types of surgery. Now, Peter Bonutti has developed a patented surgical technique called Limited-Incision Total Knee Replacement, or the L-I Approach™. This procedure adapts the latest advances in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery and instrumentation to TKR. The L-I Approach™ is a total knee replacement (not a partial or unicompartmental knee replacement), and it promises to make TKR in the 21st century safer and more effective than ever. Conventional TKR In total knee replacement, the prosthesis made of metal and polyethylene (a durable plastic) is placed through an 8- to 12-inch incision. The surgeon cuts through muscles and tendons, pushing them aside to expose the joint. After the prosthesis is in place, the muscles and tendons are reconstructed and the incision is closed. The surgery takes two hours, and it can take several months to recover from the large incision and muscle disruption. Advanced Limited-Incision TKR The L-I Approach™ total knee replacement procedure uses a different leg position and patented instruments and techniques. The same high-quality, time-proven TKR prosthesis components are used and are held in place with cement. The actual removal and replacement of the damaged joint is also similar, but the surgical incision is only 3 to 4 inches long. The incision is actually smaller than the joint implant itself. In addition, the surgeon does not have to disturb as many muscles and tendons, for a more natural reconstruction and a quicker rehabilitation. An L-I Approach™ total knee replacement procedure takes only one hour and results in many advantages for the patient, including: Shorter time in surgery Decreased tissue and muscle trauma Less blood loss Fewer complications Quicker time to recovery Reduced risk of infection Less postoperative pain Far less scarring Faster, easier rehabilitation Better motion The Bonutti Clinic in Effingham, Illinois, is the first and one of the only facilities in the world where the L-I Approach™ total knee replacement procedure is now performed and taught.