Efficacy and Mid Term Results of Lateral Parapatellar Approach Without Tibial Tubercle Osteotomy for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty in Fixed Valgus Knees

The lateral parapatellar approach, despite providing direct access to the pathological area has not been widely accepted for knee arthroplasty in valgus deformities. We performed a modified lateral (Keblish) approach which consisted of coronal z plasty of lateral retinaculum, quadriceps snip, titrated sequential lateral release and closure with expanded lateral structures in 32 arthritic fixed valgus knees. In 30 knees, either tendon of popliteus or lateral collateral ligament or both could be preserved. At an average follow-up of 5 years, the valgus alignment improved from 25.4° (11°–60°) to 4° (0°–10°) and knee society score improved from 34 to 95 points. There was no late instability or revisions. This approach is rational, eliminates patella maltracking, is applicable in severe deformities and with titrated release, can preserve the posterolateral knee stabilizers that are necessary for long term implant survival.