Abstract
Introduction
Unicondylar knee replacement (UKR) surgery is proven long term results in its benefit in medial compartment OA. However, its results are sensitive to component alignment with poor alignment leading to early failure. The advent of computer navigation has resulted in improved mechanical alignment, but little has been published on the outcomes of navigated UKR surgery. We present the results of 253 consecutive Computer Assisted UKR's performed by a single surgeon.
Objective
Assess clinical and radiological outcomes of Computer Assisted Unicondylar Knee Replacement at 5 years follow-up
Methods
Between August 2003 and June 2007, 253 UKR's were performed by a single surgeon using the Stryker Knee navigation system. Pre-operative Knee Society Scores (KSS) were recorded. The UKR's consisted of 98 oxford UKR's and 155 MG UKR's. Tourniquet time, time to straight leg raise and time to discharge was also recorded. All patients had post op KSS scores and long leg standing radiographs. Data regarding revision surgery was also collected.
Results
Pre-op mean KSS scores was 54 (24–62) and post-op scores were a mean of 89 (75–100). 92% percent of femoral components were aligned at 90+/− 4 degrees from neutral in the coronal plane whilst eighty nine percent of tibial components were aligned at 90+/− 4 degrees from neutral in the coronal plane. Mean tourniquet time was 53 minutes whilst 98% of patients had SLR at 24hours. Only two percent of patients had an overall valgus alignment of their limb at the end of the procedure on long leg radiographs. 1% of the UKRs underwent revision for loosening of the femoral component. 1 oxford UKR was revised for progression of patello-femoral disease. One MG UKR was revised for unexplained pain.
Conclusion
Our single surgeon series of Computer Assisted UKR demonstrates favourable outcomes in the medium term with 98% survival at 5 years. Computer Assisted UKR allows accurate and reproducible alignment of the tibial and femoral component. We recommend the use of Computer Navigation in performing Unicondylar Knee Replacements.
