ANTERIOR APPROACH

USES

This approach is the universal approach to the knee. It is used for total knee arthroplasties, supracondylar fractures of the distal femur, open cruciate ligament reconstruction, and patellar surgery.

ADVANTAGES

This extensile approach can be extended proximally or distally as far as necessary. Also, there are no neurovascular structures at risk. This approach allows easy access to either side of the patella. If it is necessary to access the posteromedial and posterolateral corners, this approach facilitates creating equal skin flaps. The approach has the lowest risk of wound healing complications in revision knee surgery.

DISADVANTAGES

The approach allows only limited exposure to the posteromedial and posterolateral corners.

STRUCTURES AT RISK

If the incision is carried far enough distally, the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve would be transected, causing some numbness on the lateral aspect of the knee. Except for this nerve transection, there are no structures at risk.

TECHNIQUE