Background: The Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) use in the lateral compartment has been associated with a reduced flexion range and diminished femoral rollback. It is postulated that this may be due to a flat tibial tray replacing the domed anatomy of the lateral tibia, tightening the posterolateral flex-ion gap. A new design incorporating a domed tibial component and a biconcave meniscal bearing has been developed to increase; (i) the posterolateral flexion gap in deep knee flexion (ii) meniscal bearing movement and (iii) lateral femoral condyle (LFC) rollback. A cadaveric study was designed to test these three outcomes. Methods: The sagittal plane kinematics of seven thawed fresh frozen cadaver specimens within an upright Oxford testing rig were assessed under three different conditions; (i) intact normal cadaver knee (ii) flat lateral Oxford UKR (iii) domed lateral Oxford UKR. Each condition was tested during three ranges of motion (ROM) and data recorded during a flexion or extension half cycle. Knee flexion angle (KFA) and displacement measures of the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), LFC rollback and anteroposterior meniscal bearing movement were performed throughout knee ROM using four [3 linear, 1 rotary] potentiometer devices. Potentiometer data was recorded as a voltage reading and subsequently converted to either a millimetre displacement or degree measure using a calibration formula. All data points were compared at 10 degree interpolations of KFA. Results: The flexion half cycles demonstrated the flat Oxford lateral UKR achieved 80.7% of normal cadaveric LFC rollback. The domed Oxford lateral UKR achieved 108.8% of normal cadaveric LFC rollback. The ratio of LFC rollback in the domed to flat UKR’s was 1.35 times (134.9%). Meniscal bearing movement in flexion demonstrated a domed to flat UKR ratio of 1.3 times (129.7%). Similar values were obtained for extension half cycles in favour of the domed Oxford lateral UKR. No significant differences were identified in LCL measures. Conclusions: The domed Oxford lateral UKR implant allows for improved bearing movement and femoral rollback when compared to the flat Oxford lateral UKR. The sagittal plane kinematics of the domed Oxford lateral UKR as represented by femoral rollback values approximate those of the normal cadaver knee

The purpose of this study is to assess the long term results of combined ACL reconstruction and unicompartmental knee replacements (UKR). These patients have been selected for this combined operation due to their combination of instability symptoms from an absent ACL and unicompartmental arthritis. Retrospective review of 44 combined UKR and ACL reconstruction by a single surgeon. Surgeries included both medial and lateral UKR combined with either revision ACL reconstruction or primary ACL reconstruction. Patient reported outcomes were obtained preoperatively, at one year, 5 years and 10 years. Revision rate was followed up over 13 years for a mean of 7.4 years post-surgery. The average Oxford score at one year was 43 with an average increase from pre-operation to 1 year post operation of 15. For the 7 patients with 10 year follow up average oxford score was 42 at 1 year, 43 at 5 years and 45 at 10 years. There were 5 reoperations. 2 for revision to total knee arthroplasty and 1 for an exchange of bearing due to wear. The other 2 were the addition of another UKR. For those requiring reoperation the average time was 8 years. Younger more active patients presenting with ACL deficiency causing instability and unicompartmental arthritis are a difficult group to manage. Combining UKR and ACL reconstruction has scant evidence in regard to long term follow up but is a viable option for this select group. This paper has one of the largest cohorts with a reasonable follow up averaging 7.4 years and a revision rate of 11 percent. Combined unilateral knee replacements and ACL reconstruction can be a successful operation for patients with ACL rupture causing instability and unicompartmental arthritis

Background: Although many knee surgeons routinely perform unicompartmental replacement (UKR) for medial compartment arthrosis there is still reluctance to perform lateral UKR’s as they are generally thought to be less satisfactory. The purpose of the present study was to prospectively compare the outcome of lateral UKR’s with medial UKR’s using the AMC Uniglide knee implant. Methods: Between 2002 and 2005, 29 lateral fixed bearing AMC Uniglide UKR’s were performed at our unit. American Knee Society (AKS), Oxford and WOMAC scores were recorded pre-operatively and at two years post-op and compared with the results of 50 medial mobile bearing and 50 medial fixed bearing AMC Uni-glide UKR’s performed during the same time period. Data was acquired by a research nurse and recorded prospectively on the Bristol Knee Database. The mean ages of the patients were: 63 years in the lateral UKR group was, 62 years in the medial mobile bearing group and 69 in the medial fixed bearing group. The groups were equally sex matched with a predominate number of females in each group. There was no difference between the pre-operative scores for the 3 groups. Results: At one-year review, the 3 groups had similar mean scores: (table removed). Conclusions: This study suggests that at two years the quality of outcome of Lateral UKR’s is at least equivalent to both fixed and mobile bearing medial compartment UKR’s. However, continued long-term survivorship studies are needed to assess failure rates of Lateral fixed bearing UKR’s and particularly to evaluate progression of arthritis in the medial compartment. The procedure should form part of the knee surgeons’ armamentarium, but the differences in the operative techniques for lateral and medial UKR must be appreciated

Introduction: The Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) use in the lateral compartment has been associated with a reduced flexion range and increased medial compartment pain than seen with its medial counterpart due to, in part, the inadequacy of a flat tibial tray replacing the domed anatomy of the lateral tibia. A new design incorporating a domed tibial component and a biconcave meniscal bearing has been developed to overcome these problems. This study reports a clinical comparison of new and old establishing whether this modified implant has maintained the established normal kinematic profile of the Oxford UKR. Method: Patients undergoing lateral UKR for OA were recruited for the study. Fifty one patients who underwent UKR with the domed design were compared to 60 patients who had lateral UKR with a flat inferior bearing surface. Kinematic evaluation was performed on 3 equal subgroups (n = 20); Group 1-Normal volunteer knees, Group 2-Flat Oxford Lateral UKR’s and Group 3-Domed Oxford Lateral UKR’s. The sagittal plane kinematics of each knee was assessed using videofluoroscopic analysis whilst performing a step up and deep knee bend activity. The fluoroscopic images were recorded digitally, corrected for distortion using a global correction method and analysed using specially developed software to identify the anatomical landmarks needed to determine the Patella Tendon Angle (PTA) (the angle the patella tendon and the tibial axis). Knee kinematics were assessed by analysing the movement of the femur relative to the tibia using the PTA. Results: PTA/KFA values, for both devices, from extension to flexion did not show any significant difference in PTA values in comparison to the normals as measured by a 3-way ANOVA. The Domed implant achieved higher maximal active flexion during the lunge exercise than those with a flat implant. Only 33% of the flat UKR’s achieved KFA of 130° or more under load whilst performing a lunge, compared with 75% of domed UKR’s and 90% of normal knees. No flat UKR achieved a KFA of 140° or more, yet 50% of all domed UKR’s did, as did 60% of all normal knees. Conclusions: There was no significant difference in sagittal plane kinematics of the domed and flat Oxford UKR’s. Both designs had favorable kinematic profiles closely resembling that of the normal knee, suggesting normal function of the cruciate mechanism. The domed knees had a greater range of motion under load compared to the flats, approaching levels seen with the normal knee, suggesting that limited flexion for the flat plateau results from over tightening in high flexion and that this is corrected with the domed plateau. Problems with the second generation of lateral Oxford UKA have been rectified by a new bi-concave bearing without losing bearing stability and normal kinematics

Background. Lateral Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty (UKA) is a recognised treatment option in the management of lateral Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Whilst there is extensive evidence on the indications and contraindcations in Medial UKA there is limited evidence on this topic in Lateral UKA. The aim of this study was to assess our experience of mobile lateral UKR and to look specifically at the effect of Contraindications on the outcome. Method. A total of 325 consecutive domed lateral UKAs undertaken for the recommended indications were included, and their functional and survival outcomes were assessed. The effects of age, weight, activity, and presence of full- thickness erosions of cartilage in the patellofemoral joint on outcome were evaluated. Results. Median follow- up was seven years (3 to 14), and mean age at surgery was 65 years (39 to 90). Median Oxford Knee Score (OKS) was 43 (interquartile range (IQR) 37 to 47), with 260 (80%) achieving a good or excellent score (OKS > 34). Revisions occurred in 34 (10%). In total, 14 (4%) were for dislocation, of which 12 had no recurrence following insertion of a new bearing. In all, 12 (4%) were revised for medial osteoarthritis (OA). Ten- year survival was 85% (95% confidence interval (CI) 79 to 90, at risk 72). Age, weight, activity, and patellofemoral erosions did not have a significant effect on the clinical outcome or survival. Conclusion. Mobile (domed) lateral UKA provides a good alternative to total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in the management of lateral compartment OA. Although dislocation is relatively easy to treat successfully, the dislocation rate of 4% is high. Younger age, heavier weight, high activity, and patellofemoral erosions did not detrimentally affect outcome, so should not be considered contraindications

Purpose. The aim of this study was to compare the short-term and mid-term outcome of lateral UKRs using a single prosthesis, the AMC Uniglide knee implant. Methods. Between 2003 and 2010, seventy lateral unicompartmental knee replacements (mean patient age 63.6±12.7 years) were performed at our unit for isolated lateral compartmental disease. Range of knee motion and functional outcome measures including the American Knee Society (AKSS), Oxford (OKS) and WOMAC scores were recorded from 19 knees at five years' post-operatively and compared to 35 knees at two-years and 53 knees at one-year post-op. Results. Mean range of motion at five-years post-op was 116° compared to 117° at two-years and 115° at one-year. Median AKSS was 177, 185 and 180 at 1, 2, and 5 years post-op with respective OKS of 39, 43, and 37. Total WOMAC scores were 19, 15 and 22 at 1, 2 and 5 years respectively. One-way ANOVA showed no significant decline in range of motion or functional outcome scores with increasing time since surgery (p>0.05). No lateral UKR required revision up to 5 years post-op. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that at five years' post-op, patients who have undergone a lateral compartmental knee replacement for lateral compartment osteoarthritis using this prosthesis maintain an acceptable range of knee motion and knee function. Revision rates for the lateral UKR were excellent at 5 years following surgery. The lateral fixed bearing UKR demonstrates good short and medium term results for treating isolated lateral compartmental osteoarthritis and should be a consideration when managing patients with a pattern of lateral compartment disease

Introduction. The results of the mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) in the lateral compartment have been disappointing with a five year survival of 82%. Therefore, it is recommended that mobile bearings should not be used for lateral UKR. This low survivorship is primarily due to high dislocation rate, all occurring in the first year. A detailed analysis of the causes of bearing dislocation confirmed the elevated lateral tibial joint line to be a contributory factor. A new surgical technique was therefore introduced in which care was taken neither to remove too much bone from distal femur nor to over tighten the knee and thus ensure that the tibial joint line was not elevated. Other modifications to the technique were also introduced including use of a domed tibial component. Aim. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of these iterations: the original series [series I], Series II with improved surgical technique and the domed tibial component [Series III]. Method. The primary assessment of outcome was bearing dislocation at one year. One year was chosen as all the dislocations in the first series occurred within a year. In series I, there were 53 knees, in series II 65 knees and in series III 100 knees, all with a minimum of one year follow up. Results. In series I, there were 6 bearing dislocations (11%) and the average range of movement (ROM) was 110°. In the second series, there were 2 dislocations (3%) and the average ROM was 118°. In the third series, there were no primary dislocations and the average ROM was 125°, the difference between range of movement as well as dislocation rate being significant. Conclusions. The improved surgical technique and implant design have reduced the dislocation rate to an acceptable level and therefore a mobile bearing can now be recommended for lateral UKR

The results of mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) in the lateral compartment have been disappointing (five-year survival: 82%). Therefore, it is recommended that mobile bearings should not be used for lateral UKR. This low survivorship is primarily due to a high dislocation rate. A detailed analysis confirmed the elevated lateral tibial joint line to be a contributory factor to bearing dislocation. A new surgical technique was therefore introduced in which care was taken neither to remove too much bone from the distal femur nor to over tighten the knee and therefore ensure that the tibial joint line was not elevated. Other modifications included use of a domed tibial component. The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of these iterations: the original series (series I), those with improved surgical technique (series II) and the domed tibial component (series III). The primary outcome measure was bearing dislocation at one year. One year was chosen as all the dislocations in the first series occurred within a year. In the original series (n=53), implanted using a standard open approach, there were six dislocations in the first year, the average flexion 110°, and 95% had no/mild pain on activity. In the second series (n=65), there were 3 dislocations, the average flexion was 117°, and 80% had no/mild pain on activity. In the third series with the modified technique and a convex domed tibial plateau, there was one dislocation, average flexion was 125° and 94% had no/mild pain on activity. At four years the cumulative primary dislocation rates were 10%, 5% and 0% respectively, and were significantly different (p=0.04). The improved surgical technique and implant design has reduced dislocation rate to an acceptable level so a mobile bearing can now be recommended for lateral UKR

Introduction: The results of the mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) in the lateral compartment have been disappointing with a five year survival of 82%. Therefore, it is recommended that mobile bearings should not be used for lateral UKR. This low survivorship is primarily due to high dislocation rate, all occurring in the first year. A detailed analysis of the causes of bearing dislocation confirmed the elevated lateral tibial joint line to be a contributory factor. A new surgical technique was therefore introduced in which care was taken neither to remove too much bone from the distal femur nor to over tighten the knee and therefore ensure that the tibial joint line was not elevated. Other modifications to the technique were also introduced including use of a domed tibial component. Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the outcome of these iterations: the original series [series I], Series II with improved surgical technique and the domed tibial component [Series III]. Method: The primary assessment of outcome was bearing dislocation at one year. One year was chosen as all the dislocations in the first series occurred within a year. In series I, there were 53 knees, in series II 65 knees and in series III 60 knees, all with a minimum of one year follow up. Results: In series I, there were 6 bearing dislocations (11%) and the average range of movement (ROM) was 110°. In the second series, there were 2 dislocations (3%) and the average ROM was 118°. In the third series, there were no primary dislocations and the average ROM was 125°. Conclusions: The improved surgical technique and implant design has reduced the dislocation rate to an acceptable level so a mobile bearing can now be recommended for lateral UKR

Introduction. Despite the theoretical advantages of mobile bearings for lateral unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR), the failure rate in the initial published series of the lateral Oxford UKR's was unacceptably high. The main cause of failure was early dislocation. In contrast, dislocations of bearings in medial UKR's are rare. The lateral compartment present a higher laxity in flexion than the medial. An adaptation of the lateral design by introducing a convex tibial component and biconcave bearing should tackle this difference in kinematics. The risk of dislocation increased substantially if the lateral tibial joint line was elevated, quantified by the proximal tibial varus angle. This angle had a significant relationship to dislocation. A recent kinematic study identified roughly 3 times as much posterior translation of the tibia during deep knee bend activities after lateral UKR compared to the normal knee, possibly also resulting in a higher incidence of bearing dislocation. With the exception of dislocation, the overall early complication ratio in the initial published series of lateral Oxford UKR was also rather high compared to the last published series. Is there a learning curve?. Materials and Methods. Between January 2009 and April 2010, 16 domed lateral Oxford unicompartmental knee replacements were implanted by the senior author. The valgus deformity was in 2 cases not completely correctable. All femoral components were positioned anatomically. In no case the popliteus tendon was divided. A partial iliotibial band (ITB) release was done in 2 cases. The most common tracking deviation of the bearing peroperatively was a small lift off in deep flexion, seen in 6 cases. Results. Dislocation: no. Clinical outcome. Twelve of our patients (75%) have already good or excellent results with no pain in rest, no or mild pain with activity and good restoration of function. One patient feels some pain in deep flexion during work as a carpenter. In only one patient there is still a flexion of less than 100°. Small extension deficits are seen in 4 patients. Radiographic outcome. The full-leg radiographs showed a valgus axis of 1,2° (-1° to 7°) compared to preoperative 5,8° (0° to 14°). The assessment of the proximal tibial varus angle resulted in an angle of 3,8° (1 to 7°). The measurements on deep flexion radiographs are not yet available. Discussion and Conclusion. Until now we had no dislocation of the bearing in our series, but further follow-up is needed. The preliminary clinical results are already promising and display no early complications needing further operations. By anatomical placement of the femoral component the height of the lateral joint line seems to be respected, confirmed by a nearly correct proximal tibial varus angle in all cases. An increased proximal tibial varus angle can also be avoided by minimizing damage to the lateral soft tissues during surgery and so not over-tighten the knee. Therefore the popliteus tendon should stay intact. The elevated posterior translation, as seen in the recent kinematic studies of the lateral Oxford UKP can perhaps also be reduced by respecting those soft tissues

Introduction. The results of the original mobile bearing Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) in the lateral compartment have been disappointing because of high dislocation rates (11%). This original implant used a flat bearing articulation on the tibial tray. To address the issue of dislocation a new implant (domed tibia with biconcave bearing to increase entrapment) was introduced with a modified surgical technique. The aim of this study was to compare the risk of dislocation between a domed and flat lateral UKR. Methods. Separate geometric computer models of an Oxford mobile bearing lateral UKR were generated for the two types of articulation between the tibial component and the meniscal bearing: Flat-on-flat (flat) and Concave-on-convex (domed). Each type of mobile bearing was used to investigate three distinct dislocation modes observed clinically: lateral to medial dislocation, with the bearing resting on the tray wall (L-M-Wall); medial to lateral dislocation, out of the joint space (M-L); anterior to posterior dislocation, out of the joint space (A-P). A size C tray and a medium femoral component and bearing were used in all models. The femoral component, tibial tray and bearing were first aligned in a neutral position. For each dislocation the tibial tray was restrained in all degrees of freedom. The femoral component was restrained from moving in the anterior-posterior directions and in the medial-lateral directions. The femoral component was also restrained from rotating about the anterior-posterior, medial-lateral and superior-inferior directions. This meant that the femoral component was only able to move in the superior-inferior direction. Different bearing sizes were inserted into the model and the effect that moving the femoral component medially and laterally had on the amount of distraction required to cause bearing dislocation was investigated. Results. The average femur distraction to allow bearing dislocation in the A-P, M-L and L-M-wall directions was 1.62 mm (27%), 0.51 mm (26%) and 1.2 mm (24%) greater respectively for the domed bearing. There was a 3% increase in femoral distraction required to cause L-M-Wall dislocation, per increment of bearing thickness for both the domed and lateral bearings. There was on average a 7% increase in femoral distraction required to cause L-M-Wall dislocation per mm increment of medial femoral component movement. Discussion. Dislocation over the tray wall is a particular clinical problem and using a domed bearing can lead to an increased required femoral distraction of between 25% and 37%. This may be significant during everyday activities and demonstrates that the new domed design should reduce the incidence of bearing dislocation by increasing the amount of entrapment. Increasing the thickness of the bearing has a small effect on the distraction required to allow bearing dislocation. Lateral placement of the femoral component markedly reduced the femoral distraction required for bearing dislocation over the tray wall. Medial placement of the femoral component is advisable so long as impingement with the tray wall is avoided

Background: The Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) use in the lateral compartment has been associated with a reduced flexion range, increased medial compartment pain and a higher dislocation rate than seen with its medial counterpart due to the inadequacy of a flat tibial tray replacing the domed anatomy of the lateral tibia. A new design incorporating a domed tibial component and a biconcave meniscal bearing has been developed to overcome these problems. This current study was designed to establish whether this modi-fied ‘domed’ implant has maintained the established normal kinematic profile of the Oxford UKR. Methods: The study population consisted of 60 participants from three equal groups; Group 1- Normal volunteer knees (n = 20), Group 2 – Flat Oxford Lateral UKR’s (n = 20) and Group 3 – Domed Oxford Lateral UKR’s (n = 20). The sagittal plane kinematics of each involved knee was assessed continuously using videofluoroscopic analysis. A standardised protocol of step-up and deep lunge was used to assess loadbearing range of motion during which the patella tendon angle (PTA) was measured as a function of the knee flexion angle (KFA). Results: PTA/KFA values compared at 10 degree KFA increments from maximal extension to maximal flexion for all 3 groups did not demonstrate any statistically significant difference in PTA values between any group as measured by a 3-way ANOVA. The Domed implant achieved higher maximal active flexion during the lunge exercise than those with a Flat implant. Only 33% of the Flat UKR’s achieved KFA of 130 degrees or more under load whilst performing a lunge, compared with 75% of domed UKR’s and 90% of normal knees. No Flat UKR achieved a KFA of 140 degrees or more, yet 50% of all domed UKR’s did, as also did 60% of all normal knees. Conclusions: There is no significant difference in the sagittal plane kinematics of the domed and flat Oxford UKR’s. Both implant designs have a favourable kinematic profile closely resembling the normal knee. The domed knees though do have a greater range of motion under load as compared to the flats, approaching levels seen with the normal knee

The Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) was introduced in 1976 with good results. Mobile bearings in the lateral compartment have been associated with unacceptably high bearing dislocation rates, due to greater movement between the lateral femoral condyle and tibia, and the lateral collateral ligament's laxity in flexion. The new domed implant is designed to counter this with a convex tibial prosthesis and a fully-congruent, bi-concave mobile bearing allowing a full range-of-movement (ROM), minimising dislocation risk and bearing wear. We present complication rates and clinical outcomes for a consecutive series of our first 20 patients undergoing Oxford domed lateral UKR, between June 2006 and August 2009, with minimum 6-month follow-up. There was one unrelated death (31 months post-UKR) and one postop MI. We had no bearing dislocations, infections or loosening nor other complications. All patients had post-op Oxford Knee Scores; eleven had pre-op scores and demonstrated a significant improvement – mean pre-op 22.75 to post-op 35.45 (p=0.01). All achieved full extension with average ROM 116°, mean change in ROM was –2.6°(p=0.6). This study adds to previous work in confirming a low level of complications with this new procedure (including the early learning curve), particularly bearing dislocation and demonstrates excellent functional outcomes

Introduction. Patient Specific Instrumentation (PSI) has the potential to allow surgeons to perform procedures more accurately, at lower cost and faster than conventional instrumentation. However, studies using PSI have failed to convincingly demonstrate any of these benefits clinically. The influence of guide design on the accuracy of placement of PSI has received no attention within the literature. Our experience has suggested that surgeons gain greater benefit from PSI when undertaking procedures they are less familiar with. Lateral unicompartmental knee replacement (UKR) is relatively infrequently performed and may be an example of an operation for which PSI would be of benefit. We aimed to investigate the impact on accuracy of PSI with respect to the area of contact, the nature of the contact (smooth or studded guide surfaces) and the effect of increasing the number of contact points in different planes. Method. A standard anatomy tibial Sawbone was selected for use in the study and a computed tomography scan obtained to facilitate the production of PSI. Nylon PSI guides were printed on the basis of a lateral UKR plan devised by an orthopaedic surgeon. A control PSI guide with similar dimensions to the cutting block of the Oxford Phase 3 UKR tibial guide was produced, contoured to the anterior tibial surface with multiple studs on the tibial contact surface. Variants of this guide were designed to assess the impact of design features on accuracy. These were: a studded guide with a 40% reduction in tibial contact area, a non-studded version of the control guide, the control guide with a shim to provide articular contact, a guide with an extension to allow distal referencing at the ankle and a guide with a distal extension and an articular shim. All guides were designed with an appendage that facilitated direct attachment to a navigation machine (figure 1). 36 volunteers were asked to place each guide on the tibia with reference to a 3D model of the operative plan. The order of placement was varied using a counterbalanced latin square design to limit the impact of the learning effect. The navigation machine recorded deviations from the plan in respect of proximal-distal and medial-lateral translations as well as rotation around all three axes. Statistical analysis was performed on the compound translational and rotational errors for each guide using ANOVA with Bonferroni correction with statistical significance at p<0.05. Results. Contact points in greater than one plane led to a trend for increasing accuracy and precision of PSI guide placement with respect to rotational alignment, this achieved statistical significance relative to the control guide only with the guide that included articular and distal contact points (figure 2). No significant differences were found with respect to translation. Changes in contact area within the same plane and the use of smooth or studded contact points made no significant difference to accuracy. Conclusion. PSI guide design significantly impacts on accuracy of placement. PSI guides for UKR should endeavour to include widely separated reference points in different planes to maximise rotational accuracy

Background. Current analysis of unicondylar knee replacements (UKR) by national registries is based on the pooled results of medial and lateral implants. Using data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales (NJR) we aimed to determine the proportion of lateral UKR implanted, their survival and reason for failure in comparison to medial UKR. Methods. By combining information on the side of operation with component details held on the NJR we were able to determine implant laterality (medial vs. lateral) for 32,847 of the 35,624 (92%) UKR registered before December 2010. Kaplan Meier plots, Life tables and Cox' proportion hazards were used to compare the risk of failure for lateral and medial UKRs after adjustment for patient and implant covariates. Results. 2,052 (6%) UKR were inserted on the lateral side of the knee. The rates of survival at 5 years were 93.1% (95%CI 92.7 to 93.5) for medial and 93.0% (95%CI 91.1% to 94.9%) for lateral replacements (p=0.49). The rates of failure remained equivalent after adjustment for patient age, gender, ASA grade, indication for surgery and implant type using Cox's proportional hazards (HR=0.87, 95%CI 0.68 to 1.10, p=0.24). For medial implants covariates found to influence the risk of failure were patient age (p< 0.001) and ASA grade (p=0.04). Age similarly influenced the risk of failure for lateral UKRs. Implant design (Mobile versus Fixed bearing) did not influence the risk of failure in either the medial or lateral compartment. Aseptic loosening/lysis and unexplained pain were the main reasons for revision in both groups. Conclusion. The mid-term survival of medial and lateral UKRs are equivalent. This supports the on-going use of pooled data by registries for the reporting on unicondylar outcomes in the future

Objective: To report the survivorship rate and clinical outcome of a large series of lateral unicompartmental replacements. Method: 88 lateral St Georg Sled LTKRS were performed between 1978 and 1999. Clinical and radiological data was prospectively recorded at regular follow up and only 5 knees were lost during the 22 year period. Results: 15 knees were revised after an average of 8 years. (eight for progressive arthritis, six for loosening and four for femoral fracture) 29 patients (30 knees) died during the course of the study. At final follow up (average 9 years) 50 of the 63 remaining knees were rated as good or excellent, nine as fair and nine poor. The mean range of flexion was 110°. At 10 years the cumulative survival rate was 83% and at 15 years 78% (10 knees at risk). The “worst case scenario” where knees with pain or lost to follow up are added to revisions shows a 10 year survivorship of 74%. Conclusion: Although the results are not as good as medial UKR. These clinical outcomes suggest that the conservative surgical procedure of lateral UKR with the fixed bearing St George Sled prosthesis can give acceptable results in the uncommon situation of severely symptomatic isolated lateral tibio femoral arthritis