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Mini-midvastus total knee arthroplasty does not result in superior gait pattern
M C Liebensteiner1, M Thaler, J M Giesinger
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria, michael.liebensteiner@i-med.ac.at.
Summary
Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) did not show improved gait patterns compared to conventional TKA at 8 weeks post-surgery. Researchers found no significant differences in most gait parameters, except for knee valgus sway.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomechanics
- Gait Analysis
Background:
- Studies on gait after minimally invasive surgery (MIS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA) are limited.
- Understanding gait outcomes is crucial for evaluating TKA effectiveness.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively compare 3D gait parameters after MIS TKA versus conventional TKA.
- To determine if MIS influences post-operative walking patterns.
Main Methods:
- A prospective comparative study involving patients undergoing TKA or MIS TKA.
- 3D gait analysis using a VICON system pre-operatively and 8 weeks post-operatively.
- Multivariate analysis of variance to assess time, surgical group, and interaction effects.
Main Results:
- No significant inter-group differences or time × group interactions were found for most gait variables.
- A significant difference was observed in maximum valgus knee sway, increasing in the MIS group and decreasing in the conventional group.
- Temporospatial parameters, ground reaction forces, and joint moments showed no significant differences between groups.
Conclusions:
- MIS TKA did not demonstrate a superior walking pattern at 8 weeks post-operation compared to conventional TKA.
- Given previous findings of equal or inferior outcomes, the mini-midvastus MIS TKA procedure was discontinued.
- The study highlights the importance of comprehensive gait analysis in TKA outcomes.
