Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

A unicompartmental knee prosthesis

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA), also known as partial knee replacement, is a surgical procedure used to relieve arthritis in one of the knee compartments. This procedure is an alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for patients with osteoarthritis confined to a single compartment of the knee.

Indications

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is indicated for patients with osteoarthritis that is limited to either the medial or lateral compartment of the knee. Candidates for UKA typically have:

• Intact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Minimal or no deformity of the knee
• Good range of motion
• Low body mass index (BMI)

Surgical Procedure

The procedure involves replacing the damaged compartment of the knee with a prosthesis. The surgery is performed through a smaller incision compared to total knee replacement, which can result in a quicker recovery and less postoperative pain. The surgeon removes the damaged cartilage and bone, and then fits the prosthetic components to the femur and tibia.

Advantages

The advantages of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty over total knee arthroplasty include:

• Preservation of healthy bone and cartilage
• Shorter recovery time
• Less postoperative pain
• Better range of motion
• More natural knee function

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, UKA carries risks. Potential complications include:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Implant loosening
• Continued pain
• Need for revision surgery

Outcomes

Studies have shown that patients undergoing unicompartmental knee arthroplasty often experience significant pain relief and improved function. The longevity of the prosthesis can vary, but many patients enjoy good outcomes for 10 to 15 years post-surgery.

Related Pages

• Knee replacement
• Osteoarthritis
• Orthopedic surgery

References

• Berger, R. A., et al. "Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: clinical experience at 6- to 10-year followup." Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 392 (2001): 272-278.
• Kozinn, S. C., and Scott, R. "Unicondylar knee arthroplasty." The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 71.1 (1989): 145-150.

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

•