Abstract
Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) is a recognized procedure for treatment of
medial compartment osteoarthritis. Patellofemoral (PF) joint degeneration is widely
considered to be a contraindication to medial compartment UKA. We examined the validity
of this preconception using information gathered prospectively on 147 consecutive
patients who underwent the Repicci II UKA for medial compartment osteoarthritis between
July 1999 and September 2000 by the same surgeon. The status of the PF joint was assessed
intraoperatively in all patients, and accordingly patients were divided into two groups.
Among them, 69 had associated PF osteoarthritis (group A), while 78 patients had a
normal PF compartment (group B). Variables measured included the International Knee
Society (IKS) score, limb alignment, and range of motion. Radiographs, demographic
data, length of hospital stay, perioperative complications were also measured. All
subsequent surgery and survivorship at 10 years were recorded. The mean follow-up
was 9.4 years (range: 5–10.7 years) and results of the two groups were compared. We
found no significant differences in terms of IKS scores, alignment, and flexion between
the two groups. However, measured extension was significantly increased postoperatively
in those patients with minimal or no PF joint degenerative disease (p < 0.05).
Keywords
patellofemoral - arthroplasty - unicompartmental - knee - arthritis
