Von Langenbeck's medial parapatellar approach for unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (with reply).

摘要

To the Editor:We have read with great interest the article "Unicompart-mental Knee Arthroplasty Compares Favorably to Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Same Patient" (http://www.orthosupersite. com/view.asp?rID=38057), in the April 2009 issue of ORTHOPEDICS. We agree that unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a successful option for patients with osteoarthritis, in accordance with appropriate patient selection. Based on our experience with UKA, the main factor influencing outcome is surgical approach. Von Langenbeck's traditional medial parapa-tellar approach should be used, with the knee flexed 110° and the patella everted, instead of a mini-incision on the affected compartment.