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Published on: May 5, 2023
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[Our experience with medial unicondylar knee prosthesis].
1Service de Chirurgie de genou et de traumatologie sportive, Centre de Traumatologie et d'Orthopédie, 10, avenue Achille Baumann, F-67400, Illkirch - Graffenstaden, France.
Summary
This study found that medial resurfacing unicondylar knee replacement offers satisfactory short-term pain relief and functional outcomes for osteoarthritis. However, common radiological malpositions raise concerns about long-term implant survival.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Context:
- Unicondylar knee replacement (UKR) is an alternative to total knee replacement (TKR) for medial compartment osteoarthritis.
- Theoretical advantages of UKR include smaller implants, simpler surgery, and faster recovery.
- Tibial osteotomy is considered by some surgeons as an equivalent alternative preserving the natural joint.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes of medial resurfacing unicondylar knee prostheses.
- To assess patient-reported pain, function, range of motion, and mechanical axis post-surgery.
- To identify common radiological findings and their potential impact on long-term prosthesis survival.
Summary:
- Fifty-two medial resurfacing UKRs (Cartier-Mansat prosthesis) were followed for a mean of 4 years in patients with osteoarthritis or femoral condyle necrosis.
- Overall, 48 prostheses remained in situ with satisfactory pain scores (42/50) and functional outcomes (mean global score 85/100).
- However, frequent radiological malpositions (component alignment, joint space incongruency, limb alignment) were observed, questioning long-term survival.
Impact:
- Medial UKR provides good short-term pain relief and functional improvement.
- Radiological malpositions are common and may compromise the long-term success of the procedure.
- Improved surgical technique is crucial to minimize malalignment and enhance prosthesis longevity.
