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 recovery and minimize trauma to the knee extensor mechanism through quadriceps sparing techniques. Few have studied the effect of TKA surgical approach on activities of daily living. Stand-to-sit-down (STSD) and sit-to-stand-up (STSU) activities are challenging for patients in constrained scenarios where upper body support is limited. In this study, 60 subjects diagnosed with primary osteoarthritis undergoing TKA were randomized to receive the standard parapatellar (SP) or mini-parapatellar (MP) surgical approach performed using computer navigation. All received identical postoperative orders, hospitalization, and physical therapy. Before surgery and at 2, 4, and 6 months postoperatively, the STSD and STSU kinetics and kinematics showed differences for both groups in comparison with controls, but the two were essentially indistinguishable throughout all time points.