The aim was to determine the longterm results of the Oxford unicompartmental knee replacement implanted by a single surgeon in a community hospital setting.

The results of the first 97 cases performed by a single surgeon between Feb 1991 Feb 1999 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and operative data were recorded and patients were assessed with Knee Society knee score and x-ray.

Ninety seven operations were performed on 83 patients. Antero-medial osteoarthritis was the predominant preoperative diagnosis present in 96, gout was present in 2 and avascular necrosis in one. The average age was 70, follow-up 104.3 months with maximum 170 months. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed and survival was 88% at 124 months. 20 patients (21 knees) had died and 10 (9 patients) had required revision leaving 65 knees available for review. No cases were lost to follow-up. Of the 10 revisions 7 had been revised to a total knee, 4 for lateral wear or pain, one for femoral loosening, 1 for tibial subsidence and 1 for infection. Four of these patients had a previous high tibial osteotomy. The remaining 3 revisions included 2 1iner exchanges for fracture and wear in one patient with varus knees at 11 years and 1 liner exchange for dislocation.

The Oxford UKA gives satisfactory longterm results in antero-medial osteoarthritis. We would caution against using this prosthesis where a previous high tibial osteotomy has been performed.