1. What is unicondylar knee arthroplasty?
A unicondylar knee replacement is a surface replacement of only the medial or lateral compartment of the knee, and is used primarily to treat osteoarthritis or osteonecrosis that is limited to a single compartment. Because unicondylar replacement preserves the cruciate ligament, patellofemoral joint, and contralateral tibiofemoral compartment, it theoretically preserves more normal joint dynamics, allows for greater mobility, and preserves bone volume for revision into a total knee surface replacement.
2. Which patients require unicondylar knee replacement?
(1) Unilateral interval narrowing of the knee joint without contralateral interval pathology and without severe patellofemoral joint pathology.
(2) Knee inversion <15° and flexion deformity <15°.
(3) Structural integrity of the ligaments of the knee joint.
(4) Non-inflammatory arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, etc.
3. What are the benefits of unicondylar knee replacement compared to total knee replacement?
(1) The surgery removes only the diseased articular surface, so much less bone is removed than in total knee arthroplasty.
(2) Preservation of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, intact anastomosis of the patellofemoral joint, maintenance of normal anatomy, improved function and improved biomechanics, and increased mobility.
(3) Fewer foreign bodies (including metal, polyethylene, bone cement) are implanted in the body.
(4) Short operative time, less surgical trauma and complications, and faster postoperative recovery.
(5) Reduced hospital days and reduced costs.
4. Survival rate of unicondylar knee replacement?
Oxford? The 10-year survival rate for Oxford unicondylar replacement is 98%.
5.Is unicondylar knee replacement safe?
With adequate preoperative preparation and careful intraoperative monitoring, unicondylar knee replacement is a common and well-established procedure that is generally very safe with a low complication rate. With improvements in prosthesis design and surgical techniques and rigorous case selection, unicondylar knee replacement has shown definite results in patients with osteoarthritis in the medial tibiofemoral compartment.
6. How soon can I get out of bed and walk after unicondylar knee replacement?
Under normal circumstances, you can get out of bed and walk with partial weight on the second day after surgery, and you can do full weight-bearing walking exercises one week after surgery. On the first day after surgery, active contraction training of the quadriceps muscle (isotonic contraction) should be started, and on the second day, the passive knee movement should be increased to 0°-45° of knee extension and flexion. 3-4 days after surgery, the passive knee movement should reach 0°-90°, and one week after surgery, it should reach 0°-100° (110°). Due to more passive knee exercises, the removal of the stitches is usually about 2 weeks after surgery.
7. How is unicondylar knee replacement performed in China?
Oxford? Oxford unicondylar (third generation) entered the Chinese market at the end of 2008, and by 2012, the number of unicondylar knee replacement surgeries nationwide was about 950. In the northeast region, our department was the first to perform Oxford?Oxford unicondylar (third generation) replacement surgery and has successfully relieved many patients of their ailments and given them back a quality life.