Early results of subvastus versus medial parapatellar approach in primary total knee arthroplasty.
BACKGROUND
To evaluate the clinical and radiographic results immediately after total knee arthroplasty, we compared the parapatellar and subvastus approach.


METHODS
Fifty-two patients with osteoarthritis were randomly assigned to two groups. The measurement was based on clinical and radiographic features.


RESULTS
There was a significant difference in passive range of motion. Patients in the subvastus approach group revealed a full knee extension and flexion of 90 degrees significantly earlier than those in the parapatellar group. However, on the day of discharge, both groups were comparable. Radiological assessment revealed analogous results in both groups. Correction of varus or valgus deformity was required in 48 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Regardless of the surgical approach, the anteroposterior tibial femoral angle improved significantly in both groups. Concerning pain, operation time, blood loss, blood substitution and complications, no major differences could be seen.
Weinhardt
C
C
Orthopädische Klinik Herzogin Elisabeth Heim, Leiziger Str. 24, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany. chkawei@hotmail.com
Barisic
M
M
Bergmann
E G
EG
Heller
K D
KD
D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010329:Patella; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome