Comparison between Unicompartmental and Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Same Patient(Short term results)

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the short-term clinical results of unicompartmental and total knee arthroplasty in the same patient. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients who had primary TKA in their one knee and primary UKA in the other between August 2002 and July 2004, followed up more than 2 years, comprised the study population. The mean age at their first operation was 67.9 years. The clinical and radiologic outcomes were identified and analysed. The operating time, postoperative drainage, resultant transfusion and the subjective preference were evaluated. RESULTS: In the UKA knee, HSS score of 59.7 in average, the mean ROM of 120.2 degrees and tibiofemoral angle of 2.8 degrees in varus position were measured preoperatively. These values changed posteoperatively in 24 months follow-up into, 89.4, 131.7 degrees and 4.6 degrees in valgus position. In the TKA knee, the mean preoperative HSS score was 52.5, tibiofemoral angle was 5.4 degrees in varus position, ROM of 117.5 degrees. After 24 months posto- peratively, HSS score improved to 86.3, ROM of 125.9 degrees, tibiofemoral angle of 5.6 degrees in valgus position. And we found meaningful short operation time with UKA, conspicuous decrease of drained blood and low tendency of transfusion after UKA. In patient's preference, 8 out of 20 felt no difference between two knees and 8 out of 20 preferred UKA knee at 24 months follow-up. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory radiologic and clinical results were shown after UKA. Early clinical outcomes of UKA were not inferior to those of TKA.