Comparison of the early results of minimally invasive vs standard approaches to total knee arthroplasty: a prospective, randomized study.

A prospective, randomized study was performed to compare early clinical and radiographic outcomes of total knee arthroplasty using either standard or minimally invasive surgical approaches. Fifty-nine patients were randomized into 3 groups: a standard median parapatellar incision (n = 19), a "mini mid-vastus" (n = 20), or a "quad sparing" group (n = 20). The procedures were performed by a single surgeon using similar perioperative protocols at 1 hospital. Postoperatively, the quad sparing group demonstrated some statistically significant (P < .05) improvement in week 2 and greater but not in weeks 1 and 6 compared to the other groups. No significant differences occurred regarding postoperative complications or radiographic alignment of the implants. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the quad sparing group had some improved early results without compromising safety or efficacy.