Short term results of Minimally Invasive TKA

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.

Arthroscopic Treatment of Tibia Intercondylar Eminence Comminuted Fracture Used Number 5-nonabsobable Suture Material

PURPOSE: To evaluate effect of modified arthroscopic pull-out suture technique which used number 5-nonabsorbable suture material for tibia intercondylar eminence comminuted fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 21 cases of tibia intercondylar emimence fracture which arthroscopic treated at our hospital between 1999 and 2004. However the study population only included 12 cases in which a number 5-nonabsorbable suture material (Ethibond No. 5) was used for tibia intercondylar eminence comminuted fractures and minimum 1-year follow-up has gone. The average follow-up period was 18.5 months (range, 12 to 42 months). Lachman test and KT-2000 athrometer test were evaluated at the pre-and post-operation. Clinical results of all patients were evaluated with the Meyers and Mckeever 's criteria. RESULTS: In all 12 cases, the normal range of motion and sports activities were recovered at the final follow-up. When tested for anterior instability with KT-2000 arthrometer, there were no different between normal knee and operated knee. Clinical results by Meyers and Mckeever's criteria were excellent in 10 patients and good in 2 patients. CONCLUSION: We obtained early mobilization and stable fixation in modified arthroscopic pullout suture technique for tibia intercondylar eminence comminuted fractures. Patients can early return to his job. This technique seems to be one of the effective operative techniques for treatment of tibia intercondylar eminence comminuted fractures.