Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty: incidence of transfusion and symptomatic thromboembolic disease

Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty has been associated with faster recovery with less potential perioperative morbidity compared to total knee arthroplasty. This study investigates the rate of transfusion, symptomatic thromboembolic events, and length of hospital stay in 1000 consecutive, unicompartmental knee replacements performed by 2 surgeons. A rapid recovery protocol coupled with multimodal venous thromboembolism prophylaxis was used for all patients. Five patients (0.5%) received a blood transfusion for symptomatic postoperative anemia. One patient (0.1%) developed a symptomatic deep venous thrombosis within 90 days of follow-up. No patient experienced a symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Length of hospital stay averaged 1.4 days. Unicompartmental arthroplasty using less invasive surgical techniques, a rapid recovery protocol, and multimodal venous thromboembolism prevention is a safe and effective procedure associated with a low rate of morbidity.