Minimally Invasive Lateral Approach to Total Knee Arthroplasty

The minimally invasive lateral approach may have advantages over a standard total knee arthroplasty incision. The following pilot study compares this lateral approach to a standard medial parapatellar approach to total knee replacement. Twenty-six knees utilizing this minimally invasive lateral approach for total knee arthroplasty were followed. These were compared with 53 knees with a standard medial parapatellar approach. Subjective and objective Knee Society scores, quadriceps function, visual analog pain scores, and various quality of life measures (SF-12 and other questionnaires) were analyzed. Mean follow up was 2 years. Patients in the lateral approach group had minimal anterior knee pain and reduced analgesic use, although a higher incidence of complications was encountered. A radiographic evaluation showed no difference in various radiographic indices between both groups. The preliminary results of this study are encouraging and warrant further investigation into techniques that would make the lateral approach safer for total knee replacement.