A meta-analysis of the sub-vastus approach and medial parapatellar approach in total knee arthroplasty

10 prospective randomized or quasi-randomized controlled trials comparing the subvastus (SV) and medial parapatellar approach (MP) for TKA were pooled and analyzed to compare the clinical outcomes of the SV approach to the MP approach in the operation of primary TKA. The results of this meta-analysis indicated that patients receiving the SV approach needed fewer lateral releases during treatment and obtained earlier straight leg raise results along with superior knee flexion results 1 week postoperatively. No increase in the duration of surgery was found for the SV approach when compared to the MP approach. Additionally, there were no differences in KSS functional scores between these two approaches.