Can all orthopedic surgeons perform minimally invasive surgeries?
Minimally invasive surgery to the hip and knee is a new, comprehensive approach to replacement of worn joints that is much more than simply a smaller skin incision. Not all surgeons have been trained to use the specialized instruments required to reliably and safely replace joints through smaller incisions with minimal disruption to the surrounding tissues. Zimmer Corporation, the makers of the implants that Dr. Woods uses in knee and hip replacements, is a leader in the field of minimally invasive surgery, having pioneered many of the techniques for MIS total hip surgery, as well as the Quad sparing MIS total knee surgery. Zimmer Corporation requires that surgeons attend the Zimmer Institute before they give surgeons access to these specialized instruments. The Institute graduates are highly encouraged to go and visit surgeons that have already demonstrated proficiency in using the instruments and the implants. Dr. Woods has attended the Zimmer Institute in Quad Sparing Total Knee rep
