Comparison of HRQL between unicompartmental knee arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty for the treatment of osteoarthritis.

This retrospective study evaluates the health related quality of life (HRQL) of patients following unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) compared to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis treatment. The Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and the Oxford Knee score (OKS) were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Analysis of 317 UKAs and 425 TKAs showed no significant differences in HRQL between the two groups at baseline, but the TKA group was significantly older and more likely to be male. Both groups showed an overall improvement in the total WOMAC and OKS over time, with males showing significant improvement over females. Adjusting for age and gender, there was no significant difference between UKA and TKA in HRQL over the first 6 months following surgery.