Revisiting the Indications of Unicondylar Knee Replacement

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a highly effective treatment for unicompartmental arthritis (OA), providing significant relief from knee pain and improved function. The selection criteria for UKA were proposed by Kozinn and Scott in 1989 and have since become a classic indication. Over the years, advancements in prosthetic design, surgical techniques, and expanded indications have led to a steady increase in the utilization of UKA globally. The number of UKA surgeries in the United States surged from 2000 to 2009, showing a 6.2-fold increase, accounting for 4.5% of knee replacements. The proportion of UKA in primary knee replacement surgeries grew steadily to 11.5% in 2019. In 2020, approximately 23,000 UKA surgeries were performed in the country, with a primary knee replacement surgery rate of 5.4%. This discrepancy in numbers highlights the need to reassess the indications for UKA surgery, especially in relation to obesity, young patients, elderly patients, patellofemoral joint OCL loss, severe knee varum deformity, flexion contracture deformity, failure after high tibial osteotomy, and post-traumatic arthritis.

Understanding business news, it is evident that the field of orthopedic surgery is constantly evolving with advancements in technology and research. The expansion of indications for UKA reflects the dynamic nature of medical practice and the importance of evidence-based decision-making in patient care. As the demand for knee replacement surgeries grows, it is essential for healthcare professionals to stay informed about the latest developments in the field to provide optimal treatment options for patients.

In conclusion, UKA continues to be a valuable treatment option for unicompartmental knee osteoarthritis, with expanding indications based on evolving research and clinical experience. While maintaining the core principles of UKA, such as degeneration severity, reversible deformity, intact ligament function, and contralateral compartment cartilage integrity, the considerations for obese patients, young and elderly individuals, patellofemoral OCL loss, severe varus deformity, flexion contracture, failed HTO, and post-traumatic arthritis are evolving. Future directions in UKA surgery call for rigorous multi-center studies, increased sample sizes, and long-term follow-ups to ensure the efficacy and safety of these procedures.


Post time: Jun-30-2024