title: The surgical approach for revision total knee arthroplasty.
abstract: A key to the success of revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a safe surgical approach using an exposure that minimises complications. In most patients, a medial parapatellar arthrotomy with complete synovectomy is sufficient. If additional exposure is needed, a quadriceps snip performed through the quadriceps tendon often provides the additional exposure required. It is simple to perform and does not alter the post-operative rehabilitative protocol. In rare cases, in which additional exposure is needed, or when removal of a cemented long-stemmed tibial component is required, a tibial tubercle osteotomy (TTO) may be used. Given the risk of post-operative extensor lag, a V-Y quadricepsplasty is rarely indicated and usually considered only if TTO is not possible.
authors.affiliation: Mayo Clinic, 200 First St. SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Abdel
authors.affiliation: Rush University Medical Center, 1611 West Harrison Street, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Della Valle
mesh_terms: D019645:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D012086:Reoperation / Q000379:methods
keywords: Surgical Exposures; Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA); Quadriceps Snip; Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy (TTO); V-Y Quadricepsplasty