Abstract
Introduction: Lateral uni-compartmental knee replacement (UKR) is seldom indicated and remains controversial. It has been considered a technically challenging operation with variable success. Aim: The aim of this paper is to assess the results of unicompartmental knee replacement using a þxed noncongruous prosthesis. Methods: Eighty-eight knees in 79 patients with lateral unicompartmental osteoarthritis treated with a þxed bearing, non-congruous, fully unconstrained prosthesis. (St Georg Sled UKR) over a period of 21 years by different consultants and there trainees. Surgical approach and rehabilitation protocol varied over this period but there was no change in the surgical indications. Results: At a mean follow up of 9 years (range 2 to 21 years). Fifteen knees had revision surgery (9 for progression of arthritis and 6 for component loosening, 4 for implant breakage and 4 for more than one reason). Six patients complained of moderate or severe pain at þnal follow up. Only þve knees were lost to follow up in the 21-year period. Survivorship analysis was performed on the group using revision for any cause as the end point. At ten years the cumulative survival rate was 83% and at 15 years, when ten knees were still at risk, the cumulative survival rate was 74%. Conclusion: Based on our clinical results and survival rate the St Georg Sled UKR can be considered a suitable treatment for isolated lateral compartment osteoarthritis.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.