Avoidance of patellar eversion improves range of motion after total knee replacement: a prospective randomized study

Minimally invasive surgery has recently been introduced in TKA surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of eversion of the patella, on safety and functional result after TKA. In a prospective, randomised, double blinded trial, 60 patients were divided in two groups: group A underwent TKA through a standard medial parapatellar arthrotomy, with patellar eversion. Group B underwent the same exposure, except for the fact that the patella was subluxed laterally. All other treatment protocols were identical. Outcomes were measured until 1 year postoperatively. Radiographic evaluation included AP, lateral, skyline and full leg standing radiographs. VAS, WOMAC score, Knee Society Knee and Function score were performed. Active and passive range of motion (ROM) and knee proprioception was measured. All patients underwent isokinetic strength testing. The mean passive ROM changed from 121° preoperatively to 121° postoperatively in group A, compared to 118°–131° respectively in group B at 1 year (P = 0.003). The mean active ROM changed from 112° to 115° in group A, and from 108° to 125° in group B (P = 0.005). All other parameters were not significantly different. Patellar dislocation without eversion for exposing the knee during TKA is a safe procedure and improves ROM at 1 year postoperatively.