The long-term efficacy of unicompartmental arthroplasty of the knee.
In a retrospective study of 48 consecutive patients (63 knees) treated by a medial unicompartmental arthroplasty for degenerative arthritis, all of the operations were performed by a single surgeon. Only Compartmental II femoral prostheses were used, coupled with either a Robert Brigham or Compartmental II tibial prosthesis that was greater than 6 mm in thickness. All components were cemented. Forty-four knees were available for follow-up examination that was performed five to 12 years postoperatively (mean, 7.4 years) by one examiner. There were 43 satisfactory results (89.6% of knees), one fair (2.1%), and four revisions (8.3%). Two knees (4.5%) had roentgenographic evidence of disease progression. Valgus alignment did not appear necessary for a satisfactory result, although most knees were within 4 degrees of neutral. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is indicated in properly selected patients. When properly performed, this procedure should last longer than five years.
Stockelman
R E
RE
Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, Ohio.
Pohl
K P
KP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D001178:Arthroplasty / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000601:surgery; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D011475:Prosthesis Failure; D011859:Radiography; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors