Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA): Step-by-Step Surgical Photo Tour • Step 4 of 24
Surgical Step Description
Medial parapatellar capsular arthrotomy performed leaving an adequate fibrous tissue cuff (3–5 mm) along the medial border of the patella for subsequent secure layered closure. This is facilitated by orienting the scalpel blade parallel to the posterior articular surface of the patella while applying gentle lateral traction with a Kocher clamp.
Master Class Pro-Tip: Intraoperative Pearl
Leaving a distinct, substantial fibrous cuff along the medial patellar margin avoids placing closure sutures directly into cartilage or friable retinacular tissue, ensuring an anatomically robust, watertight extensor mechanism repair.
Master Class Pro-Tip: Medial Parapatellar Arthrotomy & Tissue Cuff Preservation
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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