MISHA Knee Implant

MISHA Knee Implantable Shock Absorber Surgeon in Denver, Colorado

Alternative to knee replacement?

Patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis who are looking for an alternative to total knee replacement now have a new option. The MISHA Knee System is an implantable shock absorber designed specifically for those suffering from osteoarthritis on the inside (medial) portion of the knee. Dr. Thon performs the MISHA Knee System implantation in Denver, Colorado for those looking for an alterantive to knee replacement. As one of the few surgeons in Colorado certified to perform this specialized procedure, Dr. Thon provides the highest level of care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Thon's office for an appointment today!

What is the MISHA Knee System?

The MISHA Knee System is an implantable shock absorber (ISA) designed to relieve knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the medial compartment. It functions by reducing excess forces on the knee, primarily when you're walking and your leg is extended.

Unlike traditional joint replacement procedures, the MISHA implant is placed on the inside (medial) side of the knee joint but outside the joint capsule. This means no violation of the knee capsule or joint is performed, preserving your natural knee structure.

Disease Overview of Knee Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, and more than half of the people with knee OA are under 65 years. Over 18 million people in the U.S. suffer from symptomatic knee OA.

Knee OA develops when the cartilage (which acts as a natural shock absorber at the end of your bones) wears down. This causes pain during normal activities. In a normal joint, articular cartilage allows for smooth movement within the joint, whereas in an arthritic knee the cartilage itself becomes thinner or completely absent. In addition, the bones become thicker around the edges of the joint and may form bony spurs. These factors can cause pain and restricted range of motion in the joint.

Reducing the amount of weight supported by the knee is a proven method for reducing OA pain, which is exactly how the MISHA Knee System works.

Diagnosis of Medial Compartment Knee Arthritis

Your doctor will diagnose osteoarthritis based on your medical history, physical examination, and X-rays. X-rays typically show a narrowing of joint space in the arthritic knee, particularly in the medial (inside) compartment for candidates of the MISHA Knee System.

Treatment for Knee Arthritis

There are many treatments indicated for arthritis – both conservative and surgical. Your doctor will discuss the best option depending on your individual condition.

Indications for the MISHA Knee System

The MISHA Knee System may be right for you if:

You suffer from pain in the medial (inner half) part of your knee
Your pain level limits your daily activities
You are still suffering from knee pain despite already trying NSAIDs, knee injections, physical therapy, or off-loader braces
You are not ready for knee replacement surgery

This innovative treatment provides an alternative for patients who want to preserve their natural knee and avoid a total knee replacement.

Who is Not Eligible for the MISHA Knee System?

Patients with:

Poor bone quality (osteoporosis)
An infection
Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Advanced osteoarthritis in other compartments of the knee such as over the knee-cap (patella) or lateral (outside) side of knee

If you're unsure about your candidacy, discuss your options with your surgeon.

Surgical Procedure for the MISHA Knee System

An orthopedic surgeon will implant your MISHA Knee System, often on an outpatient basis, meaning that you will probably go home the same day as surgery.

The MISHA Knee System is surgically implanted under your skin along the inside of your knee joint. Your natural knee remains fully intact. This procedure does not require any bone to be cut or cartilage to be removed, and the joint capsule is not violated.

Postoperative Care Following MISHA Knee System Implantation

After surgery, it is normal to experience temporary discomfort and swelling around the knee and lower leg. You will receive instructions on how best to take care of your incision as it heals, and you may be offered crutches to support your movement during the early stages of recovery.

Your surgeon will recommend a physical recovery program designed specifically to help you regain strength and flexibility at a pace that's right for you.

What to Expect After Surgery

Most patients who receive the MISHA Knee System have rapid and substantial benefit. In clinical studies, at two years, 96% of patients had meaningful pain relief. Long-term studies show 85% of people do NOT progress to total knee replacement after 5 years.

After surgery, many patients have returned to their desired activities, including running and sports. Talk with your surgeon before beginning or returning to physical activity.

The MISHA Knee System is placed alongside the inner half of your knee, underneath your skin and soft tissue covering it. This means that if you try to feel the device with your fingers, you might be able to feel it. The area around the MISHA Knee System is generally not painful, but direct impact to the area may feel like getting hit on the funny bone.

Risks and Complications

The possible risks and complications associated with the MISHA Knee System include:

Discomfort
Dissatisfaction
Knee pain
Knee stiffness
Nerve pain
Numbness
Surgical site infection
Incomplete pain relief
Progression of osteoarthritis
Device removal

As with all knee implants, removal of the MISHA Knee System is a known risk. In a clinical study at two years, about 14% of patients had their device removed, of which 90% continued to experience benefit after removal.

All surgeries carry some risk, such as reactions to anesthesia or possible infection. In the uncommon event that you get an infection related to your device, it would likely need to be removed.

Advantages of the MISHA Knee System

The advantages of the MISHA Knee System over total knee replacement include:

Preserves your natural knee
No violation of the knee joint capsule
Less invasive procedure
Outpatient surgery (go home same day)
Quick recovery
Maintains future surgical options
Feels more natural
STILL HAVE THE OPTION TO PURSUE KNEE REPLACEMENT IN THE FUTURE IF NEEDED

Patient Testimonials

"I'm doing things I haven't been able to do for 15 or 20 years." - Chuck S., Three years after MISHA surgery (age 58 at time of surgery on right knee)

"It's been about five and half years now, and I still feel great, my activity's not limited, my knee feels good. This doesn't cure OA, it treats the symptoms, and it does it enormously effectively for me." - Zach A., Over five years after MISHA surgery (age 33 at time of surgery)

"This was the thing I needed. This was what I was looking for, and I didn't know it." - Miranda D., Over five years after MISHA surgery (age 22 at time of surgery)

"By noon, it was all done. I was home and laying on the couch with my knee elevated by afternoon." - Karla H., Over five years after MISHA surgery (age 58 at time of surgery)

If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis or would like to learn more about the MISHA Knee System, please contact Dr. Thon, serving the communities of Denver, Colorado. As one of only a handful of surgeons in Colorado certified to perform this specialized MISHA knee procedure, Dr. Thon offers expertise that can help you return to the activities you love.