This article is more than 5 years old. Information may no longer be current.
No difference seen in patient perception after subvastus vs medial parapatellar approach for TKA
Recently published data indicated there was no difference in patient perception regarding the subvastus approach compared with the medial parapatellar approach for same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty.
Researchers evaluated 50 patients who underwent same-day bilateral total knee arthroplasty. Investigators randomly assigned a knee to undergo the subvastus approach (SVA) and the other knee to have the medial parapatellar approach (MPA). Using VAS scores, investigators assessed patient pain levels preoperatively and at 1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Investigators compared patient-reported scores including pain, WOMAC scores and side preference with physician-assigned measures including isokinetic muscle strength, range of motion and Knee Society scores between the SVA group and the MPA group.
Results showed the SVA compared with the MPA did not have any advantages with regard to physician-assessed objective measures; however, the SVA group at 1-week postoperatively saw more rapid recovery in maximal extensor muscle strength. The SVA vs. the MPA had stronger maximal isometric quadriceps contractions. According to researchers, at 1-week postoperatively, there were no differences in maximal hamstring contractions or in the hamstring/quadriceps ratio between the two groups.‒ by Monica Jaramillo
Disclosures: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.