MIS total knee arthroplasty with the limited medial parapatellar arthrotomy

Abstract

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has become a popular procedure with surgeons using a variety of surgical exposures including the limited medial parapatellar arthrotomy, also known as the limited quadriceps-splitting approach, the midvastus approach, the subvastus approach, and the quadriceps-sparing approach [1]. The limited medial parapatellar arthrotomy is a versatile approach that can be easily converted to a traditional approach if necessary. Advantages of this technique include diminished postoperative morbidity, less postoperative pain, decreased blood loss, and an earlier functional recovery [2-5]. However, while limiting the exposure in MIS, the integrity of the TKA must not be compromised. Following specific guidelines in patient selection and surgical technique, the clinical outcome can be predictable.