Unicompartmental arthritis in the aging athlete: osteotomy and beyond

The vitality of the aging athlete is largely dependent on continued mobility and pain-free motion. The early onset of osteoarthritis often has devastating consequences for these athletes and if left untreated, mobility declines and eventually prevents sporting activities all together. Recent advances in operative treatment for unicompartmental arthritis of the knee aim to delay the need for total joint arthroplasty by preserving or restoring the form and function of the knee to allow for continued sport participation. This review focuses on the recent literature of several surgical treatment options for unicompartmental disease including cartilage procedures, osteotomy, and unicompartmental arthroplasty.