Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: troubleshooting implant positioning and technical failures

Improvements to implant design and the advent of minimally invasive surgery have increased the popularity of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. Minimally invasive techniques for implant placement can augment the unicompartmental knee arthroplasty procedure and allow for more rapid rehabilitation and return to activities of daily living. Nevertheless, new technologies are accompanied by learning curves and rediscovery of past mistakes. Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty tends to be more technically demanding than total knee arthroplasty, and complications occur with placement of unicompartmental knee devices. This article discusses proper and improper implantation techniques and provides technical guidance and suggestions for improving the outcomes of unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.