The subvastus approach for total knee arthroplasty

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to increase awareness throughout the orthopaedic community of a refined method of an old technique in the surgical approach to the knee. The technique, based on Erkes' oblique parapatellar incision first described in 1929, was modified and refined in 1982 to allow for its use in total knee arthroplasty, especially unicomparrmental replacement. The refinements allowed exposure of the entire knee joint and the medial aspect of the distal femur. The modifications developed were (1) a more proximal reflection of the vastus medialis muscle group off the medial intramuscular septum and (2) utilization of a straight vertical medial capsular incision, as opposed to the previously described medial capsular flap. It was found that postoperatively this approach avoided the painful reflex inhibitory are noted after the standard medial parapatellar approach through the quadriceps mechanism. This led to rapid rehabilitation, which was evidenced clinically by excellent quadriceps tone and the ability to straight-leg raise by the second postoperative day in the majority of cases. Analgesic requirements and length of hospital stay were significantly lessened. No late complications or deleterious effects were noted. © Williams & Wilkins 1991. All Rights Reserved.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: