Effect of J-Shaped Incision After Total Knee Arthroplasty (J-TKA)

This prospective randomized controlled trial evaluates whether a modified J-shaped skin incision can reduce peri-incisional numbness after primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) compared with the conventional midline skin incision. Peri-incisional numbness is a common postoperative complaint after TKA and is thought to be mainly related to injury of the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. Although often considered a minor issue, it may adversely affect postoperative comfort, pain perception, and patient satisfaction. A total of 62 patients undergoing primary TKA for Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 varus knee osteoarthritis were randomized to either a conventional midline incision or a modified J-shaped incision. In the J-shaped technique, the distal part of the incision is curved laterally at the level of the tibial tuberosity in an effort to decrease injury to the infrapatellar branch of the saphenous nerve. The primary outcome is the extent of peri-incisional sensory loss, assessed using Semmes-Weinstein 10-g monofilament testing with a grid-mapping method before surgery and at 2 and 6 months after surgery. Secondary outcomes include pain scores, functional knee scores, range of motion, blood loss, tourniquet time, and wound-related complications.

NCT Number	NCT07514598
Lead Sponsor	Fatih Sultan Mehmet Training and Research Hospital
Conditions	Osteoarthritis, Knee
Enrollment	62 participants
Start Date	2025-09-17
Primary Completion	2026-04-17 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-05-17 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-05-29