Revision technique for failed unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.

Abstract

The main objective is to fit a total tricompartmental knee prosthesis. Conserving the ligaments and preserving the healthy bone are therefore the two main requirements. The surgical approach is, in most cases, parapatellar anteriorly and medially except in certain specific cases (lateral UKA). Total synovectomy is always necessary. The condition of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) should be evaluated with great precision, as this will indicate the type of revision prosthesis to be used. Bone cuts will be performed with the unicompartmental prosthesis in place. Bone grafts or filling blocks are rarely used; they are most often used in revising cemented unicompartmental knee prostheses.