Perfect indications and how to avoid complications in lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty

Lateral unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (LUKA) is a favorable alternative to distal femoral osteotomy and total knee arthroplasty in patients with isolated lateral compartment knee osteoarthritis; however, it only accounts for less than 1 ​% of the total number of knee replacements documented in national joint registries. The anatomy and biomechanics of the lateral knee compartment differ from the medial side, with a greater intrinsic laxity of the lateral collateral ligament complex compared with medial structures. Indications and surgical techniques must be tailored to each unicompartmental replacement to optimize outcomes and mitigate complications. This article will discuss the clinical indications, preoperative evaluation and workup, surgical technique, and outcomes for LUKA.