DESCRIPTION
Minimally invasive hip and knee arthroplasty typically implies a smaller surgical incision, and minimal interruption and dissection of neurovascular tissues, muscle, tendons, and ligaments for the surgery. Novel surgical instruments and possibly computer-aided navigation systems are utilized for these procedures.
POLICY
Minimally invasive hip and knee arthroplasty are both considered investigational.
See also:
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Well-designed studies in peer review journals regarding this technology are lacking. Comparative studies of this technology to current standard surgical and medical treatments are not available.
SOURCES
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. (2004, July). Minimally invasive and small incision joint replacement surgery: What surgeons should consider. Retrieved November 7, 2006 from http://www.aahks.org/pdf/MIS_phys_adv_stmt.pdf.
BlueCross BlueShield Association. Medical Policy Reference Manual. (6:2007). Minimally invasive hip and knee arthroplasty (7.01.98) Retrieved September 3, 2008 from BlueWeb. (25 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Hayes. Medical Technology Directory. (2004, August). Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty. Retrieved September 3, 2008 from www.Hayesinc.com/subscribers. (36 articles and/or guidelines reviewed)
Richmond, J. C. (2008). Surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. Rheumatic Disease Clinics of North America, 34 (3), 815-825.
St. Clair, S. F., Higuera, C., Krebs, V., Tadross, N. B., Dumpe, J., & Barsoum, W. K. (2006). Hip and knee arthroplasty in the geriatric population. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 22 (3), 515-533.
ORIGINAL EFFECTIVE DATE: 4/12/2007
MOST RECENT REVIEW DATE: 10/9/2008
ID_BT
Policies included in the Medical Policy Manual are not intended to certify coverage availability. They are medical determinations about a particular technology, service, drug, etc. While a policy or technology may be medically necessary, it could be excluded in a member's benefit plan. Please check with the appropriate claims department to determine if the service in question is a covered service under a particular benefit plan. Use of the Medical Policy Manual is not intended to replace independent medical judgment for treatment of individuals. The content on this Web site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice in any way. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider if you have questions regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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