Outcomes of Combined Unicompartmental Knee Replacement and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Abstract Background The incidence of osteoarthritis of the medial compartment after ACL injury has been quoted to range from 33% to 70%. Medial osteoarthritis in ACL deficient knee is a challenge. Patients are mainly young and active. First reports highlighted a higher incidence of complications, in terms of tibial loosening and higher revision rate, when UKA were performed in ACL-deficient knees. They defined ACL deficiency is a contraindication to UKA. Objectives A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature to assess functional outcomes of combined unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with ACL reconstruction and revision rate. Data Sources The following electronic databases were searched up to 2019: PubMed, Google Scholar search engine, JBJS {Journal of bone and joint Surgery}, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, EMBASE and Science Direct. Results A total of 10 studies met the inclusion criteria encompassing 218 patients who were treated with simultaneous ACL reconstruction and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. The mean age was 49.5 years (range from 36 to 71) with a mean follow-up of 49.3 months (range from 9 to 258). There was an improvement in mean Oxford Score from 29 to 42.5. The mean knee society score improved from 88.3 to 159. Complications reported included tibial inlay dislocation (n = 3), conversion to a total knee arthroplasty (n = 2), infection requiring two-stage revision (n = 2), stiffness requiring manipulation under anaesthesia (n = 1). Average revision rate was 1.8%. Conclusion Literature has strong evidence to support that combined UKA and ACL reconstruction show good functional outcomes and less revision rate. It is a valid treatment option for MOA more in young age group in whom MOA secondary to ACL tear and intact other knee compartments. there is no clinical trial or study suggest that UKA and ACL reconstruction is superior to UKA with tibial slope change or using fixed bearing prosthesis for MOA in ACL deficient knee with instability.