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Published on: December 3, 2017
Analysis of revision procedures for failed unicondylar knee replacement
K O Oduwole1, M K Sayana, F Onayemi
1Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11, Ireland. odukayolajide@yahoo.com
Irish Journal of Medical Science
|December 3, 2009
Summary
Conversion from unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often fails early, with no significant functional improvement. These revision procedures are complex and yield less satisfactory outcomes than primary TKA.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Knee Arthroplasty
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) is considered a conservative knee surgery.
- UKA theoretically allows for a subsequent total knee arthroplasty (TKA) if needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate early failure patterns in UKA.
- To determine if conversion to TKA improves functional outcomes, range of motion, pain, and patient satisfaction post-UKA failure.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 14 revision surgeries following failed UKA.
- Assessment of patient demographics, failure modes, and revision technicalities.
- Evaluation of post-operative function using WOMAC and SF-36 scores.
Main Results:
- 13% of primary UKA cases required revision to TKA.
- 86% of revisions occurred within the first year.
- Nearly half of revisions were technically complex.
- No significant improvement in post-operative functional scores was observed.
Conclusions:
- Conversion from UKA to TKA results in less satisfactory outcomes compared to primary TKA.
- Early failure is a significant concern for UKA revisions.
- Revision surgery complexity impacts outcomes.