Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026
07:33
In Vitro Application of a Wireless Sensor in Flexion-Extension Gap Balance of Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty
Published on: May 5, 2023
No long-term difference between fixed and mobile medial unicompartmental arthroplasty
Sebastien Parratte1, Vanessa Pauly, Jean-Manuel Aubaniac
1Center for Arthritis Surgery, Hôpital Sainte-Marguerite, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|July 7, 2011
Summary
This study compared fixed-bearing and mobile-bearing unilateral knee arthroplasty (UKA) long-term outcomes. Both implant types showed similar survivorship, but mobile-bearing UKAs had more radiolucencies and overcorrections.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Arthroplasty Research
Background:
- Previous studies indicated higher early reintervention rates for mobile-bearing unilateral knee arthroplasty (UKA) compared to fixed-bearing UKA.
- Uncertainty remained regarding the long-term functional outcomes and implant survival rates between mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing UKA.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the long-term functional outcomes (Knee Society scores) between mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing UKA.
- To evaluate and compare the long-term radiographic scores of mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing UKA.
- To determine and compare the long-term survivorship of mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing UKA.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 75 patients (79 knees) with fixed-bearing UKA and 72 patients (77 knees) with mobile-bearing UKA.
- Patients operated on between 1989 and 1992 with a minimum follow-up of 15 years (mean 17.2 years).
- Assessment of Knee Society function and radiographic scores, and determination of implant survival rates.
Main Results:
- Mean Knee Society function and knee scores were comparable between the mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing groups.
- Mobile-bearing UKA showed a statistically higher incidence of overcorrections (69% vs. 24%) and radiolucencies compared to fixed-bearing UKA.
- Long-term survivorship was similar, with 15% (12/77) of mobile-bearing UKAs and 12% (10/79) of fixed-bearing UKAs requiring revision.
Conclusions:
- Long-term survivorship of mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing unilateral knee arthroplasty is comparable.
- Specific modes of failure, such as aseptic loosening and dislocation in mobile-bearing UKA, and wear in fixed-bearing UKA, were identified.
- While functional outcomes and survivorship are similar, radiographic differences highlight potential areas for improvement in mobile-bearing designs.