Simultaneous bilateral MIS-TKA results in faster functional recovery.
Simultaneous bilateral TKAs subject patients to more arduous and painful functional recovery and increased risk of hemodynamic complications than staged bilateral TKAs. Minimally invasive TKA (MIS-TKA) reportedly results in more rapid return of function by limiting the amount of soft tissue disruption. We asked whether bilateral MIS-TKA had advantages over conventional TKA with respect to faster functional recovery. We prospectively randomized 30 patients into an MIS group (mini-medial parapatellar approach, 15 patients) and a conventional group (conventional medial parapatellar approach, 15 patients). We recorded range of motion and the time required to regain the ability to walk without assistance. Functional recovery in the MIS group was faster in rehabilitation milestones of walking without assistance and gain in range of motion. Minimally invasive TKA may benefit patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral procedures with faster functional recovery.


METHODS
Level II, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Han
Ilkyu
I
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 28 Yongon-dong, Chongno-gu, Seoul, 110-744, Korea.
Seong
Sang Cheol
SC
Lee
Sahnghoon
S
Yoo
Jae Ho
JH
Lee
Myung Chul
MC
D000368:Aged; D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D020370:Osteoarthritis, Knee / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking