Total Knee Arthroplasty in Valgus Knees Using a Lateral Approach

We investigated the results of the use of the lateral approach in knees with fixed valgus deformity undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and compared them with the more commonly used midvastus approach at a minimum 2 years of follow-up. Fifty-five valgus knees in 48 patients underwent TKA via a lateral approach. Twenty-five knees in 24 patients formed our control (midvastus) group. Clinical and radiographic Knee Society scores were measured preoperatively, at 2 to 3 months postoperatively, and at latest follow-up. Only 3 (5.5%) knees of the study group required a constrained prosthesis. In postoperative scores, a significant (P = .003) difference in favor of the midvastus group was present for the early functional score only. In 7 (29.2%) of the control group, a lateral retinacular release was required. The lateral approach allows for the use of minimally constrained implants and provides excellent results and optimal patellar tracking, without the need for lateral retinacular release, in the valgus knee undergoing TKA.