The authors evaluated results of 136 consecutive minimally invasive total knee arthroplasties (MIS TKAs). The first 22 knees, performed with strict patient selection criteria, were determined as a learning experience. According to results of the next 114 knees, the average wound length was 9.2 centimeters and the average blood loss was 470 milliliters. At a mean follow-up of 14 months, the mean Knee Society score improved from 37.5 to 96 points with 96.3% of excellent results. Sixty-five knees, group A, had within 10 degrees of varus and 49 knees, group B, had more deformity. Clinical results of both groups were not statistically different in terms of operative time, blood loss, pain score, postoperative knee flexion at 2 weeks and 6 months and postoperative day of walking. However, the ability to straighten the knee was significantly delayed in knees with more deformity (group B). After gaining learning curve, surgeons could extend performing MIS TKA in patients with more knee deformity.

Keywords: Minimally invasive, Total knee arthroplasty, Technique, Knee deformity