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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
07:33
In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Published on: May 5, 2023
Lateral unicompartmental knee replacement: fixed or mobile bearing?
M C Forster1, A J Bauze, G C R Keene
1SPORTSMED SA, 32 Payneham Road, Stepney, Adelaide, SA, 5069, Australia. mcforster@doctors.org.uk
Summary
This study compared mobile versus fixed bearing lateral knee replacements. Results showed no functional difference, but mobile bearings had more early revisions.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is a surgical option for knee osteoarthritis.
- Lateral UKR is less common than medial UKR.
- The Preservation knee system offers both mobile and fixed bearing options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of lateral unicompartmental knee replacements using the Preservation system.
- To compare the performance of mobile bearing versus fixed bearing tibial components in lateral UKRs.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 30 lateral UKRs performed between May 2001 and May 2003.
- Patients received either a metal-backed mobile bearing or an all-polyethylene fixed bearing tibial component.
- Patients were followed up at 1 and 2 years, with assessments of range of motion and function.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in range of motion or function was observed between mobile and fixed bearing lateral UKRs at 2 years.
- Three early revisions occurred, all in the mobile bearing group.
- The mean age of patients was 67 years, with a range of 36-93 years.
Conclusions:
- Both mobile and fixed bearing Preservation knees are viable options for lateral unicompartmental knee replacement.
- The higher revision rate in the mobile bearing group warrants further investigation.
- Long-term outcomes and complication rates require continued monitoring.
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