AIM OF THE STUDY: Long-term results of unicompartmental arthroplasty (UCA) in medial osteoarthritis are analyzed and the influencing covariates were explored. METHODS: 261 UCA in 229 patients were evaluated mainly by use of a structured questionnaire, 98.5% of the UCA were analyzed after 10 (5-20) years. RESULTS: In the Knee Sec. Score, the items pain and function were improved significantly. Patients were very content with the UCA. Failures (total 30) were especially caused by destruction of the non-replaced compartment (n = 11) and loosening of the tibial component (n = 5). Survival with aseptic failures as the endpoint was 84.9% after 10 and 74.4% after 20 years. Gender, age at operation, design (St. Georg, Tönnis, Endo, Wessinghage) and height of tibial component could not be proved as determining covariates with sufficient statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasties show good long-term results in medial osteoarthritis, when the criteria for the indication are strictly respected.
AIM OF THE STUDY: Long-term results of unicompartmental arthroplasty (UCA) in medial osteoarthritis are analyzed and the influencing covariates were explored. METHODS: 261 UCA in 229 patients were evaluated mainly by use of a structured questionnaire, 98.5% of the UCA were analyzed after 10 (5-20) years. RESULTS: In the Knee Sec. Score, the items pain and function were improved significantly. Patients were very content with the UCA. Failures (total 30) were especially caused by destruction of the non-replaced compartment (n = 11) and loosening of the tibial component (n = 5). Survival with aseptic failures as the endpoint was 84.9% after 10 and 74.4% after 20 years. Gender, age at operation, design (St. Georg, Tönnis, Endo, Wessinghage) and height of tibial component could not be proved as determining covariates with sufficient statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasties show good long-term results in medial osteoarthritis, when the criteria for the indication are strictly respected.