How to select candidates for lateral unicompartmental prosthesis

Abstract

Lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a very attractive procedure for elderly population with isolated lateral femorotibial arthritis. A good understanding of the UKA concept is necessary to perform this procedure. The UKA allows preservation of both cruciate ligaments, which more closely mimics the kinematics of a normal knee. The indications for UKA are distinctively different from the indications for a total knee arthroplasty or osteotomy. The patient selection guidelines (unicompartmental arthritis, reducibility of frontal deformity, integrity of cruciate ligaments, and no excessive weight) must be strictly respected to obtain satisfactory results. Surgical attention should be focused on correct positioning of the implant and preserving a hypocorrection of the deformity. Then, UKA is a valuable surgical option in the older less active patients with arthritis grade C or D (without severe cupula). Compared with total knee arthroplasty, this less invasive surgical treatment enables a quicker return to daily activities of life. The aim of this study is to report on our personal experience with this type of prosthesis in isolated lateral unicompartmental arthritis.