Abstract
Background Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) can lead to severe knee osteoarthritis predominantly localized to the medial compartment. We aimed to determine whether unicompartmental knee arthroplasty was an effective treatment for primary SONK. Methods We analyzed the functional outcomes in 23 patients with SONK (with a magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) confirmed diagnosis) who underwent UKA at a single center. The mean follow-up time was 67 months post-UKA. Results Significant improvements in function were indicated by reduced Oxford Knee and Visual Analogue Scale scores after UKA, and there were no specific complications after the procedures. The incidence of MRI-identified medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) was 69.6% (16/23). Conclusion Unicompartmental arthroplasty for SONK is less destructive to the native knee structure than total knee arthroplasty but can achieve comparable prognosis with strict patient selection. While the precise etiology of SONK is unknown, one theory posits that a MMPRT may change the biomechanical circumstances of the knee joint, leading to osteonecrosis. Although not confirmatory, the high prevalence rate suggests that MMPRT may have a key role in the development of SONK. UKA is an effective treatment option for SONK, resulting in significant functional improvement. Long-term (>10 years) outcomes should be investigated.
Highlights
Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) can lead to severe knee osteoarthritis predominantly localized to the medial compartment
Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) may be induced by microfractures of the subchondral bone whereby it can lead to joint space narrowing or end-stage knee arthritis [4]
Because it has been proposed that medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) may play an important part in the development of SONK, we investigated the incidence of MMPRT in this cohort of SONK patients
Summary
Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) can lead to severe knee osteoarthritis predominantly localized to the medial compartment. We analyzed the functional outcomes in 23 patients with SONK (with a magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) confirmed diagnosis) who underwent UKA at a single center. While the precise etiology of SONK is unknown, one theory posits that a MMPRT may change the biomechanical circumstances of the knee joint, leading to osteonecrosis. UKA is an effective treatment option for SONK, resulting in significant functional improvement. Spontaneous osteonecrosis of the knee (SONK) may be induced by microfractures of the subchondral bone whereby it can lead to joint space narrowing or end-stage knee arthritis [4]. SONK is the most common form of osteonecrosis, with the highest prevalence in women and people aged over 60 years. The condition is usually unilateral and predominantly localized to the medial compartment [5]
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.