Minimally invasive computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty through a subvastus approach.

Abstract

Computer-assisted total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has traditionally been performed through an anterior midline incision approximately 16 cm long, using a capsular incision that separates the interval between the rectus femoris and vastus medialis muscles. The incision disrupts the suprapatellar pouch and frequently leads to adhesions and difficulty in fast and complete flexion recovery despite the wide exposure. The minimally invasive surgery subvastus approach with computer-assisted soft tissue balancing using OrthoPilot TKA (B. Braun Aesculap, Tuttlingen, Germany) not only provides optimal alignment and balancing of the components but also results in maximal and faster flexion recovery and reduces the need for postoperative narcotic medication.