Unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty in the same patient

Abstract

Despite good clinical outcomes, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) still rises concerns as treatment for isolated medial knee arthritis, to the point that total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is still largely perceived as the best solution. The purpose of this study is to compare clinical results and survivorship rates of two different options for isolated medial arthritis in the same patient, UKA versus TKA, at a mid-term follow-up. Materials and methods. We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients with isolated medial arthritis treated with UKA in the period between 2004 and 2013, who had previously undergone TKA on the other knee. The mean follow-up was 9.2 years for UKA. The inclusion criteria were that preoperative KSS and KOOS scores were similar or presumed similar for both knees, and that the same degree of osteoarthritis affected both knees. Results. Clinical evaluation was carried on according to KSS and KOOS scores. At the final follow-up at 9.2 years, clinical outcomes between UKA and TKA were very similar. Significantly better results were, however, seen in range of motion (ROM) for UKA implants. Among patients invited to choose between the two procedures, 10 expressed no preference, 8 indicated a preference for UKA, and 4 for TKA. Final survivorship at 9.2 years follow-up was 95% for UKA and 100% for TKA. Conclusions. No differences were reported between TKA and UKA in terms of KSS and KOOS scores at a mid term follow-up, while significantly better results were detected for UKA considering ROM.

First Italian Experience with the Oxinium Metal-Backed Fixed-Bearing Medial Journey II Unicompartmental Knee System: Promising Short-Term Outcomes of 145 Cases

“…The mean satisfaction, rated from 1 to 10, was 9.32 ± 0.74. Several studies have consistently documented satisfaction rates exceeding 90% in mUKA patients [ 62 , 63 , 64 ]. All our patients returned to sport practice.…”