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Clinical experience with less invasive surgery techniques in total knee arthroplasty: a comparative study
Shankar N Kashyap1, J W van Ommeren
1Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Sheriff Hill, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE9 6SX, UK. Mudigere@hotmail.com
Summary
Less invasive total knee arthroplasty shows earlier functional recovery compared to standard techniques. Patients experienced improved knee flexion, walking, and stair climbing, suggesting comparable long-term outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a common procedure for knee osteoarthritis.
- Minimally invasive surgical techniques aim to reduce tissue trauma and improve patient recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the early functional outcomes of less invasive TKA with standard open-access TKA.
- To evaluate differences in knee range of motion, mobility, and patient-reported function.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study of 25 patients undergoing less invasive TKA versus 25 age and BMI-matched patients undergoing standard TKA.
- Assessment of knee flexion, walking ability, stair climbing, and kneeling at 6 months and 2 years post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Patients in the less invasive group demonstrated significantly earlier improvements in knee flexion (116° vs. 97°), walking, and stair climbing at 6 months.
- These functional advantages were maintained to a lesser extent at 2 years.
- No significant differences were observed in surgical alignment or component sizing between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Less invasive TKA facilitates earlier functional recovery compared to standard TKA.
- The technique shows potential for similar long-term results as traditional open-access TKA.
- Patients undergoing less invasive TKA report improved ability to kneel and navigate stairs.