Abstract
Introduction and Aims: Uni-compartmental knee replacements are an alternative to total knee replacements in the management of uni-compartmental osteoarthritis of the knee. The aim of the study was to review the results of our first 60 patients.
Method: We assessed all patients both clinically and radiologically. To expedite the radiological assessment we devised a simplified scoring system. The mean follow-up was 18 months, nine patients had bilateral procedures. The mean age was 66 years, ranging from 45 to 83 years. Eightly-six percent were female. Primary osteoarthritis was the pathology in 93% and post-traumatic arthritis in 7%.
Results: Our average range of movement increased from 113 degrees to 120 degrees post-operatively. Our complicationns included one deep venous thrombosis, one patient with bilateral tibial component loosening and three patients with loose cement particles in the joint. A full radiological assessment was done to assess positioning of the prostheses as well as the interfaces. There was an improvement in the average radiological scoring when comparing the first and the last 10 patients.
Conclusion: Uni-compartment knee replacements are an interesting alternative to total knee replacements. Patient selection is critical. There is a significant learning curve, as demonstrated by the improved radiological scoring later in the series, particularly with regard to cementing techniques. Attention needs to be paid to removing all loose cement from the joint. The complication rate remains low and the results are satisfactory.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
