A Mini-Midvastus Capsular Approach With Patellar Displacement Decreases the Prevalence of Patella Baja.

Abstract: Our aim in this study was to evaluate the prevalence of patella baja after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) using 2 different surgical techniques. Postoperative changes in patella height were measured on serial radiographs of 74 TKAs implanted using a mini-midvastus capsular approach without patella eversion (group 1) and 57 TKAs implanted using a standard medial parapatellar capsular approach with patella eversion (group 2). Preoperative and postoperative Knee Society scores, operative data, and complications were compared. With a cutoff level of 5% shortening, the prevalence was 12% in group 1 and 37% in group 2 (P = .001). The presence of patella baja was related to reduced flexion and increased pain as early as 1 year after TKA. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]