Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in octogenarians: survival longer than the patient

The unicompartmental knee arthroplasty continues to gain popularity as a viable treatment option for disease isolated to one compartment. It has been reported to provide decreased perioperative morbidity, faster recovery, and excellent long- term survival. We hypothesized that the unicompartmental knee arthroplasty is durable enough to benefit octogenarians, and may be a viable alternative to total knee arthroplasty as the definitive treatment of localized arthritis in this age group. From 1978 to 1990, 28 consecutive patients (38 knees) 80 years or older had unicompartmental knee arthroplasties. Knee Society knee and function scores improved at an average of 4 years followup (range, 2-9 years). Family members reported 90% patient satisfaction regarding expectations and desire to have the surgery again. The mean postoperative survival was 11.9 years, and only two of the 38 knees (5%) required surgical intervention. At final followup, 25 patients had died with all but one patient having the index unicompartmental knee arthroplasty in place and functioning well. Of the three living patients, one required surgery for femoral component fracture 10 years after the index procedure. The unicompartmental knee arthroplasty can be expected to provide reliable and durable results in certain octogenarians, and should be regarded as a definitive treatment option in appropriated selected patients of this age group.