Arthroplasty Knee Unicompartmental

Excerpt

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a surgical technique used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in one compartment of the knee, most commonly in the medial compartment. In contrast, a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is used for the treatment of osteoarthritis in all three compartments of the knee. UKA was first introduced in the 1970s. Proponents for UKA argued that the procedure more closely mimics normal knee kinematics, leads to lower perioperative morbidity and intraoperative blood loss, and allows for earlier mobilization and rehabilitation compared to conventional bicondylar knee arthroplasty. Early results, however, demonstrated high rates of failures, with a 28% rate of conversion to TKA at an average follow-up of six years. Over time, modifications in the implant design, surgical technique, and the expansion of surgical indications have led to renewed interest in UKA. Furthermore, the increased demand for minimally invasive approaches has also increased the popularity of UKA, which requires a smaller incision compared to traditional TKA. The development of robotic-assisted techniques has improved surgical precision and component alignment in an effort to increase survivorship.