Alternate surgical approaches in mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty

Surgical approaches in nonconstrained mobile-bearing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) should provide the best access for specific deformity correction. Alternatives to the standard medial approach include the medial midvastus and subvastus approaches, and the direct lateral approach, with or without tibial tubercle osteotomy or proximal "rectus snip." The direct lateral approach is a recommended alternative for fixed valgus knees, especially if there is lateral patellar subluxation and significant rotational deformity. The subvastus and midvastus medial approaches preserve quadriceps integrity and patella stability, and are recommended for severely unstable knees in nonobese, non-fixed valgus, and medial unicompartmental knee replacements.