A Comparative Study of the Medial Parapatellar and Midvastus Surgical Approaches for Total Knee Arthroplasty

Objective  To compare the postoperative recovery outcomes of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) between the medial parapatellar (MP) and midvastus (MV) surgical approaches, focusing on quadriceps strength, knee motion range, and pain. Methods  This retrospective study included 82 patients with degenerative knee arthropathy who underwent primary TKA. Patients were divided into two groups: one underwent MP and the other MV. Data were collected on quadriceps strength, knee flexion and extension, pain using the visual analog scale (VAS), and the ability to perform functional tasks like walking and stair climbing. Outcomes were assessed at multiple postoperative intervals. Results  Both groups showed improvements in all measured parameters from baseline to the last follow-up, with no significant differences between them in terms of pain and the ability to walk and climb stairs. However, the MV group exhibited statistically significant greater quadriceps strength at the final follow-up. Conclusion  While both surgical approaches provided similar overall recovery outcomes, MV led to greater improvements in quadriceps strength and knee extension, suggesting a potentially quicker functional recovery in the early postoperative period.