Incidence of Soft-Tissue Releases, Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Lateral Parapatellar Approach for Valgus Arthritic Knees: A 4-year Follow-up Study with A Review of Literature

Abstract

Purpose To analyse the incidence of additional soft tissue releases with the lateral parapatellar approach, and the clinical and radiological outcomes of total knee arthroplasties performed using the lateral parapatellar approach for valgus arthritic knees. A review of the existing literature on valgus arthritic knees undergoing knee replacement was performed and our results compared. Materials and Methods This is a prospective cohort study of 50 patients operated by this approach. Operation and clinical records were assessed to determine the number and sequence of soft tissue releases. Functional outcome was measured using the Oxford Knee Score. Radiological assessment included measurement of alignment and implant positioning. Results 46 patients included. Mean follow-up of 4 years. Additional lateral releases were performed in 11 (24%) cases. Mean valgus alignment corrected from 13.1 degrees pre-operatively to 5.7 degrees post-operatively. Oxford Knee Score improved from a mean pre-operative score of 11.9 to a mean post-operative score of 38.3 at final follow-up. Radiographs revealed lateralisation of the tibial component in 4 patients. No immediate or late post-operative wound complications, late instabilities or revisions were observed. Conclusion Lateral parapatellar approach is highly effective in correcting the valgus deformity with a low incidence of additional soft tissue releases. Medium-term results indicate an excellent functional outcome with no complications.

Use of a preoperative 3D templating and proximal lateral tibial fitting patient-specific instrumentation in fixed valgus complex primary total knee arthroplasty for a patient with retaining hardware for internal fixation to treat Schatzker type V tibial plateau fracture: A case report

“…This technique has been reported to achieve excellent functional and radiological results without increased prosthetic constraints or additional soft tissue release, and it is safe and reliable for fixed valgus deformities while maintaining soft tissue stability. 10 An additional skin incision during internal fixation and a longer operative time are required for retained hardware removal during primary TKA for patients with end-stage KOA. A precedent for staged or concurrent hardware removal is currently unavailable, and a case-by-case approach should be considered.…”