SMOC Approach for Total Knee Arthroplasty in Valgus Knees

Abstract Purpose The subvastus approach sometimes can not provide adequate exposure and lateral approach has disadvantages of closure of the soft tissues and patellar tracking. The hypothesis of this study was that SMOC approach could be used in valgus knees and would offer good function.Methods We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients (25 knees) with valgus deoformity undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) with SMOC approach. Necessary soft tissue releases, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), straight leg raising (SLR), International Knee Society score (KSS), radiological alignment were assessed with average follow-up of 16 months.Results KSS improved significantly from 38.5 to 90.3. The mean range of motion increased from 89.5°to 121.8°.The mean tibiofemoral valgus was corrected from preoperative 17.1° to 6.3°. No instability, recurrent valgus deformity, or radiographic loosening was found during follow-up.Conclusions SMOC approach provides adequate exposure and excellent early recovery for TKA in valgus knees, without increase in incidence of complications.