Implantable Shock Absorber for Knee Osteoarthritis - Purpose and Impact

Have you ever wondered what doctors can do for people whose knees hurt so much from arthritis that walking becomes painful? For adults with knee osteoarthritis, there is a new treatment called the MISHA Knee System. It is an implantable shock absorber that helps reduce pain and improve movement for people who are not yet ready for a full knee replacement. The MISHA System gives patients another option when medicine, therapy, and injections no longer work.

The MISHA implant is placed on the inside of the knee, between the thigh bone and the shin bone. It is made of strong materials like titanium and special plastic. The device works like a cushion, absorbing shock and taking pressure off the sore part of the knee when walking or moving. This helps reduce pain and protects the knee from getting worse over time. The surgery is usually quick and done as an outpatient procedure, so most people go home the same day. It also keeps the natural knee in place, which makes it a good choice for younger or more active adults who want to delay knee replacement surgery.

Many people who get the MISHA implant feel better very soon after surgery. Studies show that most patients have less pain and better movement within weeks. About 95 percent of people report pain relief, and 92 percent have better function two years after surgery. Most patients can put weight on their knee and walk normally again within two weeks, which is much faster than recovery from traditional knee surgeries. The MISHA System helps people stay active while keeping future treatment options open, including knee replacement if needed later.

However, not everyone can get this implant. It is not recommended for people with weak bones, infections, or certain joint diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Doctors are still studying how long the device lasts and how well it works over many years.

Overall, the MISHA Knee System is an exciting new way to treat knee arthritis. It helps relieve pain, improves movement, and allows people to stay active without major surgery. For many adults, it offers hope and comfort while delaying the need for a total knee replacement.

by KQ (Anonymous) at Incisionary

APA References

Diduch, D. R., Crawford, D. C., Ranawat, A. S., Victor, J., & Flanigan, D. C. (2023). Implantable Shock Absorber Provides Superior Pain Relief and Functional Improvement Compared With High Tibial Osteotomy in Patients with Mild-to-Moderate Medial Knee Osteoarthritis: A 2-Year Report. CARTILAGE, 14(2), 152–163. https://doi.org/10.1177/19476035231157335

Golant, A., Morgan, A., Raji, Y., & Sherman, S. L. (2025). The implantable shock absorber for medial compartment unloading of the knee: a scoping review. Journal of Cartilage & Joint Preservation, 100252. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcjp.2025.100252

Implantable Shock Absorber for Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.modahealth.com/idaho/-/media/modahealth/shared/medical-necessity-criteria/Implantable-Shock-Absorber-system.pdf

Team, O. (2024, August 5). MISHA - A Shock Absorber for Knee Pain - OrthoTexas. Retrieved October 27, 2025, from Orthotexas | North Texas Orthopedic Surgeons website: https://www.orthotexas.com/misha-a-shock-absorber-for-knee-pain/