ObjectiveTo explore the safety and effectiveness of quadriceps snip in complex total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsA clinical data of 19 cases (29 knees) with complex TKA assisted with quadriceps snip between January 2016 and May 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 9 males (13 knees) and 10 females (16 knees). The age of patients ranged from 34 to 66 years (mean, 50.2 years). Four patients (8 knees) were ankylosing spondylitis, 5 patients (7 knees) were rheumatoid arthritis, and 10 patients (14 knees) were knee osteoarthritis. The average disease duration was 10.9 years (range, 8-15 years). There were 12 knees of Kellgren-Lawrence grade Ⅲ and 17 knees of Kellgren-Lawrence grade Ⅳ. The range of motion (ROM) of knee was (19.86±7.23)°. The clinical and function scores of knee society score (KSS) were 47.86±11.26 and 15.52±11.21, respectively. Postoperative complications, ROM, KSS scores, extensor lag, and prosthesis loosening were observed to evaluate the effectiveness.ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, and no infection or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular accidents occurred. All patients were followed up 25-39 months (mean, 30.3 months). At last follow-up, the ROM of knee was (91.03±7.30) °, the KSS clinical score was 83.62±9.99 and functional score was 66.38±7.89, showing significant differences when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). Postoperative extensor lag (10°, 10°, 15°) occurred in 3 cases. There was no evidence of prosthesis loosening or osteolysis on X-ray films during follow-up.ConclusionThe application of quadriceps snip in complex TKA can effectively improve the operative field exposure and reduce incidence of complications such as patella tendon tearing, patella fracture, and quadriceps tendon injury. The surgical technique of Krackow tendon suture can effectively guarantee early rehabilitation without occurrence of other complications.