Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): Step-by-Step Surgical Photo Tour • Step 2 of 24
Surgical Step Description
The anterior midline skin incision is marked and made with the knee held in active 90° flexion, extending from approximately three finger-breadths (6–8 cm) superior to the superior patellar pole to three finger-breadths inferior to the tibial tubercle.
Master Class Pro-Tip: Intraoperative Pearl
Incising the skin with the knee in active flexion distributes extensor tension symmetrically across the anterior dermal envelope, minimizing post-operative skin edge necrosis and maximizing scar cosmesis compared to straight-leg incising.
Master Class Pro-Tip: Anterior Extensor Incision & Dermal Vascularity
Curator & Series Attribution
Curated by Dr. Joseph Bernstein, MD (Director of Education) • Managing Editor: Dr. Christian Veillette, MD • OrthopaedicsOne Surgical Education Series • Adult Reconstruction: Knee
Last Updated on September 28, 2026
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