While the literature suggests lateral unicondylar knee arthroplasty (UKA) improves function in the short- and medium-term,
it is less clear on longer-term function. We asked (1) whether lateral UKA improved longer-term Knee Society scores and return
to previous activity level); (2) whether there were any concerning longer-term radiographic findings (the Knee Society roentgenographic
evaluation and scoring system); and (3) whether lateral UKA was durable as measured by survivorship to revision at 10 and
16 years. We retrospectively reviewed 39 patients with 40 lateral cemented metal-backed UKA. The patients had a mean age of
61 years at surgery. The etiologies were primary osteoarthritis in 24 knees, posttraumatic in 12 cases, and osteonecrosis
in four cases. We performed clinical and radiographic evaluations at a minimum followup of 3 years (mean, 12.6 years; range,
3–23 years). Prostheses survivorship was 92% at 10 years and 84% at 16 years. Despite the limited number of indications and
technical considerations, our data suggest lateral UKA is a reasonable alternative for isolated lateral femorotibial compartment
disease.
Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution has approved the human protocol for this investigation and that all investigations
were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research.