Objective  To investigate the early clinical effectiveness after quadriceps sparing total knee arthroplasty.   Methods  From September 2005 to December 2006

quadriceps sparing total knee arthroplasty in 25 knees was performed for 20 patients (5 males

6 knees; 15 females

19 knees). The patients aged 59 to 82 years (average 68 years). The diagnosis was osteoarthritis in 18 patients

rheumatoid arthritis in 2. Standard total knee arthroplasty in 25 knees was performed for 22 patients in the same period

as control.   Results  All the patients were followed up from 4 to 19 months with the average of 12 months. The KSS knee score improved from preoperative （58.0±4.1） to postoperative (93.0±1.2) in QS group. The average length of operative incision was 10 cm (range 9 to 12 cm). The average blood loss was 600 ml. No infections

deep venous embolism of lower limb

fractures

loosening of the prostheses

injury of blood vessels and nerves

or dislocations were found in all patients at the last follow-up.    Conclusion  By avoiding injury to the quadriceps muscle groups and the extensor mechanism

quadriceps sparing total knee arthroplasty  had the advantages of less postoperative pain

less blood loss

and earlier functional recovery in comparison with traditional total knee arthroplasty. The initial clinical result was excellent. The key to successful clinical outcome is optimizing patient selection and paying specific attention to operative details.