Evaluation of Complications Associated with Six Hundred Mini-Subvastus Total Knee Arthroplasties

Minimally invasive surgical techniques have been developed in an effort to improve functional recovery following total knee arthroplasty1-13. A primary concern about minimally invasive surgical techniques is a possible increase in the rate of complications compared with that associated with so-called traditional total knee arthroplasty techniques involving a medial parapatellar arthrotomy. These concerns are well outlined in the physician advisory statement from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons: “Minimally Invasive and Small Incision Joint Replacement Surgery: What Surgeons Should Consider.”14 This pamphlet outlines several features of minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty that may be associated with an increased rate of complications: