Minimally Invasive Total Knee Arthroplasty Improves Early Knee Strength But Not Functional Performance

A prospective, randomized investigation compared early clinical outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using conventional or minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approaches (n = 44). Outcome measures included isometric quadriceps and hamstrings strength, quadriceps activation, functional performance, knee pain, active knee range of motion, muscle mass, the Short Form-36, and Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index, assessed preoperatively and 4 and 12 weeks after TKA. Four weeks after TKA, the MIS group had greater hamstring strength (P = .02) and quadriceps strength (P = .07), which did not translate to differences in other outcomes. At 12 weeks, there were no clinically meaningful differences between groups on any measure. Although MIS may lead to faster recovery of strength in patients undergoing TKA, there was no benefit on longer-term recovery of strength or functional performance.