title: Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study to the standard approach.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Minimally invasive surgery has gained popularity over the past several years. Early results have shown better functional outcome with early recovery and rapid rehabilitation.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Evaluation of the short-term clinical and functional outcome of minimally invasive surgery total knee arthroplasty (MIS-TKA) compared with the traditional total knee arthroplasty (TKA).
  
  
  METHODS
  During 2009, all cases scheduled for primary TKA through the modified mini-mid-vastus approach (MIS group) were studied. This group included 40 knees and was compared to a cohort control group of similar number of patients (40 knees) that underwent the procedure through the standard conventional technique (standard group).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients in the MIS group showed significant decrease in postoperative pain, blood loss in first 24 hours, and in hospital stay. Furthermore, they achieved motion considerably faster than the standard group with earlier return of quadriceps function and greater early flexion.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study proved that MIS-TPA has the ability to couple the benefits of less invasive surgical approach.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Makassed General Hospital, Beirut, Lebanon.
authors.forename: Naji
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Dabboussi
authors.forename: Mazen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Sakr
authors.forename: Julien
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Girard
authors.forename: Riad
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fakih