Patellar eversion does not adversely affect quadriceps recovery following total knee arthroplasty

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Biomechanics
• Rehabilitation

Background:

• Patellar eversion during total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is debated regarding its impact on quadriceps recovery.
• Limited objective clinical data exists to support avoiding patellar eversion for improved outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To prospectively evaluate whether TKA performed without patellar eversion leads to better quadriceps recovery.
• To compare objective quadriceps strength and clinical outcomes between TKA with and without patellar eversion.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, randomized study involving 72 knees undergoing TKA with a midvastus approach.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: one with patellar eversion and one without.
• Objective quadriceps recovery was measured using a dynamometer, with data collected preoperatively and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year postoperatively.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in quadriceps force or power recovery throughout the follow-up periods.
• Clinical data also showed no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Performing patellar eversion during TKA using the midvastus approach does not appear to adversely affect postoperative quadriceps recovery.
• The findings suggest that patellar eversion can be chosen without compromising quadriceps function recovery.