ObjectiveTo summarize the clinical application and research progress in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA).MethodsThe literature related to UKA in recent years was reviewed and the emerging indications, implant options, comparisons between other surgical techniques, and recent advances were summarized.ResultsClinical studies show that UKA has many advantages, such as less trauma, faster recovery, and fewer postoperative complications. At present, the operative indication has been expanded. The body mass index more than 25 kg/m2, less than 60 years old, patellofemoral arthritis, and anterior cruciate ligament dysfunction are no longer considered as contraindications. The prosthesis type in UKA should be selected according to the patient’s condition. In recent years, the robot-assisted UKA can effectively improve the effectiveness, improve patient satisfaction, and reduce postoperative complications.ConclusionWith the development of surgical techniques, designs of prosthesis, and the robotic technology, UKA would be further applicated. As more long-term data on UKA become available, it will further guide clinicians in counseling patients on whether UKA should be performed.
ObjectiveTo compare the short-term effectiveness of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and high tibial osteotomy (HTO) in the treatment of medial compartment osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee so as to provide a reference for clinical selection of appropriate treatment. MethodsBetween January 2010 and June 2011, 28 cases of medial compartment OA of the knee underwent UKA in 16 cases (UKA group) and HTO in 12 cases (HTO group). Biomet Oxford phase Ⅲ unicompartmental knee prosthesis was used in UKA group, and closing wedge osteotomy in HTO group. There was no significant difference in gender, age, course of disease, side, body mass index, articular cartilage degeneration classification, preoperative knee range of motion (ROM), Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and femorotibial angle (FTA) between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The patients of UKA group began weight-bearing walking with walking aids within 48 hours after operation, and the patients of HTO group began weight-bearing walking with walking aids at 6 weeks after operation, and gradually began full weight-bearing walking at 8-12 weeks. ResultsThere was no significant difference in operation time and intraoperative blood loss between 2 groups (t=0.406, P=0.688; t=-1.552, P=0.133). All incision healed primarily in both groups. No complications occurred in 2 groups. All patients were followed up 3.5 years on average (range, 3.0-4.5 years) in UKA group and 3.6 years on average (range, 3-4 years) in HTO group. There were significant differences in Lysholm knee score, Tegner activity score, and FTA in the 2 groups between before and after operation (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in knee ROM (P>0.05). At last follow-up, there was no significant difference in all above indexes between 2 groups (P>0.05). The postoperative X-ray showed that all force lines of the lower limbs were corrected, and the prosthesis and internal fixation were fixed reliably. During follow-up, Kellgren-Lawrence Ⅱ degeneration of the lateral compartment was observed in 1 case of 2 groups respectively; Kellgren-Lawrence Ⅱ degeneration of the patellofemoral joint was observed in 1 case of the HTO group, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups (χ2=0.778, P=0.378). ConclusionBoth UKA and HTO have good short-term effectiveness for treating unicompartmental OA; however, the long-term effectiveness need further study and follow-up.
ObjectiveTo explore the short- and mid-term effectivenesses of combined unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction for osteoarthritis (OA) and ACL injury. MethodsBetween January 2006 and January 2014, 32 patients with knee OA and ACL injury were treated by combined UKA and ACL reconstruction. There were 12 males and 20 females, aged 41-63 years (mean, 50 years); 17 left knees and 15 right knees were involved. The causes of ACL injury were sports injury (25 cases) and traffic accident injury (7 cases), including 27 cases of old injury and 5 cases of acute injury. Pain of the medial compartment of the knee and unstable knee joint were the main clinical symptoms. Preoperative X-ray films showed (3.1±0.6)° of varus deformity. ResultsAll incisions healed by first intention, without complication. The patients were followed up 16-112 months (mean, 55 months). Mobile bearing dislocation occurred in 2 cases after operation, and was cured after replacing much thicker mobile bearings. X-ray films showed (4.0±0.7)° of valgus at last follow-up. There was no loosening of the prosthesis. Physiological radiolucent line (<1 mm) was observed around the tibial component in 10 patients. The Oxford Knee Score (OKS), Knee Society Score (KSS) clinical score, KSS functional score, and Tegner activity score at last follow-up were improved significantly (P<0.05). The range of motion (ROM) of the operated knee was (123.5±2.8)°, and the posterior slope of the tibial component was (3.9±1.2)° at last follow-up; a significant correlation was found between ROM and posterior slope according to the Pearson's correlation (r=0.392, P=0.031). ConclusionCombined UKA and ACL reconstruction has good short- and mid-term effectivenesses for OA and ACL injury.
ObjectiveTo compare the patient-reported outcomes regarding function, joint amnesia, and the quality of life after unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods The clinical data of patients who received UKA or TKA between September 2017 and June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. After propensity score matching, 40 patients (40 knees) each in TKA group and UKA group were finally included in the study. There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, body mass index, surgical side, preoperative knee range of motion, Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, clinical and function scores of knee society score (KSS) (P>0.05). At 2 years after operation, WOMAC score, KSS clinical and function scores were performed on the two groups of patients, and compared with preoperative ones; knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score-physical function short form (KOOS-PS), short-form 36 health survey scale (SF-36 scale), and forgotten joint score (FJS) were also performed. Results At 2 years after operation, the total score of WOMAC, the clinical and function scores of KSS in the two groups significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference in the total score of WOMAC, the individual score of WOMAC, the clinical and function scores of KSS between the two groups (P>0.05). The total KOOS-PS score in the UKA group was significantly lower than that in the TKA group (t=4.243, P=0.000), and the scores of writhing/knee rotation, kneeling, and squatting in the UKA group were significantly lower than those in the TKA group (P<0.05). The total FJS score in the UKA group was significantly higher than that in the TKA group (t=−6.334, P=0.000). In the UKA group, the scores of 7 items were significantly lower than those of the TKA group (P<0.05) including when walking over 15 minutes, when climbing stairs, when walking on uneven ground, when standing for long periods, when doing housework or gardening, when taking a walk or hiking, and when doing your favorite sport. The SF-36 scales of physiological function, energy, social function, emotional function, and mental health in the UKA group were significantly higher than those in the TKA group (P<0.05). Conclusion Compared with TKA, patients treated with UKA may have better knee function recovery, joint amnesia, and higher quality of life.
ObjectiveTo conclude the revision reason of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) using computer-assisted technology so as to provide reference for reducing the revision incidence and improving the level of surgical technique and rehabilitation. MethodThe relevant literature on analyzing revision reason of UKA using computer-assisted technology in recent years was extensively reviewed. ResultsThe revision reasons by computer-assisted technology are fracture of the medial tibial plateau, progressive osteoarthritis of reserved compartment, dislocation of mobile bearing, prosthesis loosening, polyethylene wear, and unexplained persistent pain. ConclusionsComputer-assisted technology can be used to analyze the revision reason of UKA and guide the best operating method and rehabilitation scheme by simulating the operative process and knee joint activities.
ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) integrity on the short- and mid-term effectiveness of mobile-bearing medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). MethodsThe clinical data of 128 patients with anteromedial osteoarthritis who underwent mobile-bearing medial UKA between June 2019 and June 2021 was retrospectively analyzed. According to the integrity of ACL structure under direct vision during operation, the patients were divided into normal group (30 cases), synovial defect group (53 cases), and longitudinal split group (45 cases). There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, preoperative knee range of motion (ROM), hip-knee-ankle angle (HKA), Knee Society Score (KSS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), and other baseline data among the 3 groups (P>0.05). The knee ROM, KSS score (including clinical and functional scores), WOMAC score (including pain, stiffness, and function scores) before operation and at last follow-up, the Lysholm score, International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and Forgetting Joint Score (FJS-12) at last follow-up were recorded and compared among the 3 groups. Imaging examination was performed to evaluate the wear of cartilage in the lateral tibiofemoral compartment and patellofemoral compartment of the knee joint. HKA and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were measured at last follow-up. ResultsAll the patients of 3 groups were followed up 22-56 months (mean, 40.4 months). There was no significant difference in follow-up time among the 3 groups (P>0.05). At last follow-up, imaging examination showed no obvious cartilage wear progression of the lateral tibiofemoral compartment and patellofemoral compartment, and no adverse events such as aseptic loosening of the prosthesis, dislocation of the removable pad, or infection occurred during the follow-up. At last follow-up, knee ROM, HKA, KSS scores, and WOMAC scores of the 3 groups significantly improved when compared with preoperative ones (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the changes of the above indicators before and after operation, and also the Lysholm score, IKDC score, FJS-12 score, and PTS among the 3 groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe integrity of ACL has no significant effect on the short- and mid-term effectiveness of mobile-bearing medial UKA.
Objective To conclude the research progress of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) in the treatment of elderly patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Methods The literature on UKA at home and abroad in recent years was reviewed to summarize the clinical characteristics of elderly patients with KOA, perioperative management (including evaluating indications preoperatively, intraoperative prosthesis selection, postoperative complication management, etc). Results Through reasonable preoperative evaluation, prosthesis selection, and advanced perioperative management, for elderly patients with KOA who meet the indications, UKA can be considered. Compared with total knee arthroplasty, the incidence of postoperative complications in elderly patients undergoing UKA is lower, joint awareness is reduced, functional improvement and satisfaction are higher. Meanwhile, choosing appropriate prostheses and fixation methods can lead to a good survival rate. ConclusionUKA can provide a safe and effective treatment option for elderly patients with KOA within a certain range of indications.
ObjectiveA prospective randomized controlled study was conducted to investigate the early postoperative analgesic effectiveness of using liposomal bupivacaine (LB) for local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) in unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). Methods Between January 2024 and July 2024, a total of 80 patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) who met the selection criteria were enrolled in the study. Patients were randomly assigned to either the LB group or the “cocktail” group in a 1∶1 ratio using a random number table, with 40 patients in each group. Baseline characteristics, including gender, age, body mass index, operated side, Kellgren-Lawrence grade, and preoperative American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score, and knee joint range of motion, showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Both groups received LIA and comprehensive pain management. The surgical duration, incision length, pain-related indicators [resting and activity visual analogue scale (VAS) scores, total dosage of oral morphine, WOMAC scores], knee joint range of motion, first ambulation time after operation, length of hospital stay, and postoperative adverse events. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups in surgical duration, incision length, first ambulation time after operation, length of hospital stay, total dosage of oral morphine, and pre-discharge satisfaction with surgery and WOMAC scores (P>0.05). At 4, 12, and 24 hours after operation, the resting and activity VAS scores in the “cocktail” group were lower than those in the LB group; at 60 and 72 hours postoperatively, the resting VAS scores in the LB group were lower than those in the “cocktail” group, with the activity VAS scores also being lower at 60 hours; all showing significant differences (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05). On the second postoperative day, the sleep scores of the LB group were significantly higher than those of the “cocktail” group (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in sleep scores on the day of surgery and the first postoperative day (P>0.05). Additionally, the incidence of complications showed no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). ConclusionThe use of LB for LIA in UKA can provide prolonged postoperative pain relief; however, it does not demonstrate a significant advantage over the “cocktail” method in terms of short-term analgesic effects or reducing opioid consumption and early functional recovery after UKA. Nevertheless, LB may help reduce postoperative sleep disturbances, making it a recommended option for UKA patients with cardiovascular diseases and insomnia or other mental health issues.
ObjectiveTo explore the feasibility and short-term effectiveness of lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (LUKA) through a lateral parapatellar approach for lateral compartmental osteoarthritis (LCOA). MethodsBetween November 2010 and August 2012, 15 consecutive patients (15 knees) with LCOA were treated with LUKA. There were 7 men and 8 women with a mean age of 67.3 years (range, 51-82 years). The mean duration of disease was 5.4 years (range, 3-15 years). The left knee was involved in 6 cases and the right knee in 9 cases. According to Ahlback rating, there were 2 cases (2 knees) of grade I, 8 cases (8 knees) of grade Ⅱ, and 5 cases (5 knees) of grade Ⅲ. The incision length, operation time, blood loss, drainage, and complication were recorded. The pre- and post-operative knee function was evaluated by Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score system. The pre- and post-operative range of motion (ROM) and alignment of the lower limbs (hip-knee-ankle angle) were measured and compared. ResultsACL rupture or medial compartmental osteoarthritis occurred in 2 patients (2 knees) who changed to total knee arthroplasty (TKA); 1 case (1 knee) failed to follow up. The other 12 cases (12 knees) were followed up 32.5 months on average (range, 26- 45 months). The mean length of incision was 6.9 cm (range, 6-8 cm); the mean operation time was 115.8 minutes (range,90-155 minutes); the mean blood loss volume during operation was 152.2 mL (range, 105-250 mL); and mean drainage was 145.6 mL (range, 50-300 mL). At last follow-up, the average HSS score was significantly improved from 73.4±4.6 preoperatively to 94.6±2.1 postoperatively (t=14.240, P=0.000). The results were excellent in 9 cases, good in 2 cases, and fair in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 91.7%. The hip-knee-ankle angle was significantly decreased from valgus angle of (10.08±1.38)° preoperatively to valgus angle of (5.17±0.94)° postoperatively (t=14.626, P=0.000). Postoperative ROM was significantly improved to (123.75±4.09)° from (108.67±5.10)° preoperatively (t=8.998, P=0.000). Two patients developed superficial skin infection, which was managed with anti-inflammatory therapy and dressing. No patient had complication of deep vein thrombosis, prosthesis dislocation and loosing, or development of medial osteoarthritis. ConclusionLUKA through a lateral approach has the advantages of rapid recovery of joint function, less complication, and small trauma in the treatment of LCOA. Correct patient selection and further mid- and long-term studies, however, are essential.