Fixed-bearing, medial unicondylar knee arthroplasty rapidly improves function and decreases pain: a prospective, single-surgeon outcomes study.

Abstract

Fixed-bearing, medial unicondylar knee arthroplasties were performed in 33 knees (32 patients). We report a minimum 2-year follow-up, with a mean follow-up of 3 years. Kaplan-Meier survivorship analysis reported 97% survivorship at a mean follow-up of 38 months. Average preoperative Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain scores improved significantly from 40+/-22 to 92+/-15 (P<.0001). Average preoperative Knee Society knee and function scores improved significantly from 52+/-7 to 90+/-9 (P<.0001) and from 48+/-16 to 84+/-17 (P<.0001), respectively. In addition, average Short Form-12 Physical Component scores significantly increased. Overall stiffness and physical function assessed via the WOMAC index also exhibited significant improvement. Of note, all categories of the WOMAC Index and the Knee Society scores experienced statistically significant improvements at 3-month follow-up, indicating a rapid return to improved function and diminished pain.