RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To compare the radiologic and clinical results of patients who had primary total knee arthroplasty(TKA) with 3 different arthrotomy technique: quadriceps-sparing approach(group Ia), minimal incisional approach(group Ib), conventional parapatellar approach(group II). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We assessed 114 patients(142 knees) treated between December 2003 and March 2005(minimal follow-up was one year). Group Ia, Ib and II consisted of 24 patients(32 knees), 23 patients(30 knees) and 67 patients(80 knees). The evaluation included radiologic alignment, skin incision, tourniquet time, blood loss, ambulatory ability and knee score of Hospital for special surgery(HSS). RESULTS: Group Ia and Ib had the results that indicate increased range of motion, shorter length of hospital stay, less skin incision and more tourniquet time. There were no differences between the groups in radiologic alignment, blood loss, and HSS score. CONCLUSION: Although total knee arthroplasty using a minimal incision may provide some early advantages, minimal incision can impede a surgeon's visual field and may influence component alignment. Therefore, these minimal incision approaches should be performed in limited patients with strict indication.