1.1 Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of mini-incision surgery for total knee replacement does not appear adequate for this procedure to be used without special arrangements for consent and for audit or research. More evidence is required on the long-term safety and efficacy of this procedure and clinicians should submit data to the National Joint Registry (http://www.njrcentre.org.uk).
1.2 Clinicians wishing to undertake mini-incision surgery for total knee replacement should take the following actions. - Inform the clinical governance leads in their Trusts. - Ensure that patients understand the uncertainty about the procedures safety and efficacy and provide them with clear written information. Use of the Institute's Information for the public is recommended.
1.3 Clinicians undertaking this procedure should have adequate training before performing this technique.
1.4 Further research will be useful. Clinicians are encouraged to enter patients in well-defined trials and to collect longer-term follow-up data. The Institute may review the procedure upon publication of further evidence.