Subvastus vs. Medial Parapatellar Approaches in Total Knee Arthroplasty With Quadriceps Muscle Elastography

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION

Knee osteoarthritis is a common joint pathology causing joint pain and ambulatory limitations. In primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgeries, medial parapatellar (MP) and subvastus (SV) approaches are frequently used. The MP approach provides good exposure and is more widely used. In the SV approach, the vastus medialis muscle is preserved. Some argue that the extensor mechanism may heal earlier with the SV approach. In this study, unlike previous studies, the investigators aimed to quantitatively compare the early outcomes of MP and SV approaches, through shear wave elastography (SWE) measurements isolated over the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study included 20 patients with indications for TKA due to primary osteoarthritis, divided into MP and SV groups. SWE measurements of the vastus medialis and vastus lateralis muscles were performed preoperatively and at 3-month follow-up. Clinical scores (Knee Society Score and WOMAC) and straight leg raising time were recorded both preoperatively and postoperatively.