Differences between Standard and Minimally Invasive Parapatellar Surgical Approaches for Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Tasks of Sitting and Standing

Minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty (TKA) aims to enhance functional recoveryand minimize trauma to the knee extensor mechanism through quadriceps sparingtechniques. Few have studied the effect of TKA surgical approach on activities of dailyliving. Stand-to-sit-down (STSD) and sit-to-stand-up (STSU) activities are challenging forpatients in constrained scenarios where upper body support is limited. In this study, 60subjects diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis undergoing TKA were randomized toreceive the standard parapatellar (SP) or mini-parapatellar (MP) surgical approachperformed using computer navigation. All received identical postoperative orders, hospitalization, and physical therapy. Before surgery and at 2, 4, and 6 monthspostoperatively, the STSD and STSU kinetics and kinematics showed differences forboth groups in comparison with controls, but the two were essentially indistinguishablethroughout all time points.